A mass exodus in free agency. Limited spending. Only six draft picks. The Green Bay Packers could never realistically fix every issue on the roster, and there are some glaring concerns after the draft.
The good news is that Brian Gutekunst, on paper at least, has put together a strong draft class. He never got too cute with his picks and attacked positions of need with smart choices.
However, with four picks on defense, one on special teams, and just one committed to offense, there are some notable gaps at the positions of need they couldn't address. The Packers don't play a game for over four months, but the early 53-man roster predictions highlight some issues.
Packers' lack of depth shows up at several offensive positions in 53-man roster prediction
Quarterbacks (2): Jordan Love, Desmond Ridder
The first concern arises at quarterback. The Packers didn't add competition for the backup job via the draft. They signed undrafted free agent Kyron Drones, but he is more of a developmental project than a QB2 this season.
For now, Desmond Ridder is in pole position. Gutekunst may need to swing another quarterback trade (Anthony Richardson?).
Running backs (3): Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks
The Packers also failed to add quality running back depth in the draft. Emanuel Wilson's departure looks even worse for Green Bay now, as the team is banking on MarShawn Lloyd staying healthy or Chris Brooks stepping into the RB2 role.
Gutekunst added some competition after the draft, signing undrafted rookie Jaden Nixon, while Josh Jacobs' brother, Isaiah, will try out at the team's rookie minicamp. However, the Packers' lack of depth could come back to haunt them.
Wide receivers (6): Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, Savion Williams, Skyy Moore, Bo Melton
Less could be more at wide receiver. The Packers have decluttered their pass-catching room, with Romeo Doubs bolting in free agency before Gutekunst traded Dontayvion Wicks. Jayden Reed is back on a new deal (and Christian Watson will soon join him), while Matthew Golden's role will expand.
The Bo Melton cornerback experiment didn't work out, so it makes sense to have him take the WR6 spot and feature on special teams.
Tight ends (3): Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, Josh Whyle
Had the Packers boasted more draft capital, they could've joined the league-wide run on tight ends. Nobody saw nine tight ends going inside the opening three rounds. Green Bay couldn't join the party, leaving them with uncertainty at the position.
Tucker Kraft is a superstar, but he's recovering from a torn ACL. Luke Musgrave has offered next to nothing, raising some concerns with the depth at such a crucial position.
Offensive line (10): Jordan Morgan, Aaron Banks, Sean Rhyan, Anthony Belton, Zach Tom, Jager Burton, Darian Kinnard, Travis Glover, John Williams, John Gesky
The Packers have more confidence in the starting offensive line than the majority of the fanbase. They are rolling the dice at tackle, with the still-unproven Jordan Morgan taking over from Rasheed Walker, while Zach Tom is recovering from a significant knee injury on the other side of the line.
There's a lot to like about rookie Jager Burton, who can play all three interior spots. He could push Sean Rhyan at center sooner rather than later.
Depth remains the major concern, especially at tackle. Considering how underwhelming this unit was last season, the offensive line is potentially a bigger problem than it seems.
Defensive line (6): Devonte Wyatt, Javon Hargrave, Chris McClellan, Karl Brooks, Warren Brinson, Nazir Stackhouse
The interior defensive line is arguably the Packers' most improved unit. Devonte Wyatt had to do it alone last season, but Green Bay has brought in two-time Pro Bowler Javon Hargrave and third-round rookie Chris McClellan to play alongside him. The Packers' interior pass-rush stock is soaring.
McClellan can play nose tackle, as can Hargrave. Gutekunst has built a formidable unit.
Edge-rushers (5): Lukas Van Ness, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Brenton Cox, Barryn Sorrell, Collin Oliver
PUP: Micah Parsons
Questions remain on the edge, but if everything clicks, the Packers may have a special group here.
Rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton can make an instant impact and could boot Lukas Van Ness out of the starting lineup when everyone is healthy. If Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver take a second-year jump, look out. Dennis-Sutton's arrival should give the Packers enough to get by without Parsons, and this unit can soar once the three-time All-Pro returns.
Linebackers (6): Edgerrin Cooper, Zaire Franklin, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty'Ron Hopper, Nick Niemann, Kristian Welch
The Packers replaced Quay Walker with Zaire Franklin, who offers more experience but shares some of the same struggles in coverage. Edgerrin Cooper is the key piece here. He's on a path to stardom.
Cornerbacks (5): Keisean Nixon, Brandon Cisse, Benjamin St-Juste, Carrington Valentine, Domani Jackson
Gutekunst finally made an investment in the cornerback room, first by adding Benjamin St-Juste in free agency, who had an excellent 2025 season for the Los Angeles Chargers. Second-rounder Brandon Cisse is the big-time addition here, injecting elite athleticism and speed to the secondary.
Domani Jackson is coming off a disappointing final season for Alabama, but the potential is there if he can put it all together.
The Packers added the depth they desperately needed, and, crucially, drafted a potential game-changer in Cisse.
Safeties (4): Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, Kitan Oladapo
No introductions needed here. The Packers have real quality at safety. Javon Bullard will play predominantly in the slot, but defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon could move him around.
Specialists (3): Trey Smack, Daniel Whelan, Matt Orzech
The Packers traded away two seventh-rounders to move up for Trey Smack. They didn't do that to cut him in August. Smack, who has the perfect name for a kicker, has a huge opportunity to take Brandon McManus' spot.
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