As the 2026 NFL Draft nears, the quarterback position is likely the last thing on the Green Bay Packers' minds.
The team is set with Jordan Love as its franchise quarterback, so the goal in the draft will be building up the entire roster to contend for a title. However, the Packers did lose their amazing backup quarterback, Malik Willis, in free agency, so they could invest a Day 3 pick on finding his replacement.
In a recent quarterback-only mock draft, ESPN's Ben Solak named the quarterback prospect who makes the most sense for Green Bay. Solak highlighted Arkansas' Taylen Green, making the case that the Packers are the perfect fit to draft him in the fifth round with the 160th overall pick.
Packers named ideal fit for quarterback prospect Taylen Green
Like Willis, Green is a unique athlete at the quarterback position, running a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, while also posting a 43.5-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot-2 broad jump. Additionally, he's 6-foot-6 and 227 pounds; his size and athleticism, alone, make him an intriguing prospect.
That's why Solak thinks Green will appeal to the Packers, but the analyst makes it clear that the quarterback has a lot to work on as a thrower. Fortunately, Green Bay can help with that.
"His throwing mechanics are extremely rough… Green's accuracy is predictably scattershot, and his inconsistency hitting layups makes it tough to build a reliable passing game around him. As such, any offense fielding Green would need to rely heavily on the QB running game; he should see 10-plus carries in any game he plays, a league-leading rate. Under Matt LaFleur, the Packers have hugely prioritized athleticism at the QB2 spot."
Willis came to Green Bay with similar concerns, with many people ready to call him a bust after his time with the Tennessee Titans. However, Willis left the Packers to sign a three-year deal worth $67.5 million with the Miami Dolphins, because of his clear development that took place during his two years in Green Bay.
The Packers could use a Day 3 pick on Green and start that process over. If successful, Green Bay will have another solid backup quarterback to help them out if Love ever has to miss time.