Not only do the Green Bay Packers lack a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and lost many of their starters from last season in free agency, but they have the misfortune of trying to win in a division where every team managed to claw their way to a winning record.
The Packers need to get a little bit lucky in order to get the most out of their performance in the draft, as they need to hope that their rivals in the NFC North manage to bungle their way through this draft on top of the fact that a few gems need to slide to Day 2 for them to have a shot at beefing the roster up.
If this 2026 NFL Draft future becomes reality, the Packers may find it harder than ever to look at their roster and consider themselves a contender.
How the 2026 NFL Draft could turn into the Packers' worst nightmare
A top-three tackle falls to the Lions
The Lions would love nothing more than for one of either Miami's Francis Mauigoa, Utah's Spencer Fano, or Georgia's Monroe Freeling to take a bit of a tumble. The Packers may like the fact that Detroit's offensive line has fallen off, but they could replace him almost immediately with a bit of luck.
Vikings land a high-end defensive back
The Vikings will be in a prime spot to land either Oregon's Dillon Thieneman or Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren if they want a safety at No. 18 overall, and they could sate their desire for a cornerback with Tennessee's Jermod McCoy or Clemson's Avieon Terrell.
Bears draft three defensive players, including two defensive linemen
The Bears actually have a solid offensive structure around Caleb Williams, but the defense is eminently beatable despite some offseason additions. Unfortunately for the Packers, the Bears now have three picks in the top 70 selections, and the defensive line class is very impressive this year.
Packers are unable to trade back
With multiple big holes after free agency and no first-round pick, it would behoove Gutekunst to move back in the draft and recoup a few extra top-100 picks. Being unable to do so would leave Green Bay to pick between the 10th or 11th-best pass rusher or cornerback with no help coming until pick No. 84 in the third round.
Packers take another WR early
The Packers were questioned when they used a first-round pick on Matthew Golden last season, and despite the loss of Romeo Doubs in the offseason, they should have enough wide receiver talent to get by. Using a top-100 pick on a pass-catcher would be a very poor allocation of resources due to how bereft of talent the defense is.