Cornerback and offensive linemen. Cornerback and offensive linemen. Get used to hearing about those two positions once the Green Bay Packers fully shift into mock draft season.
The Packers have their eyes firmly set on the NFC North title, with two games against the 9-3 Chicago Bears to come in the next three weeks. But if any two positions could derail their Super Bowl pursuit, it's their lack of depth at, you guessed it, cornerback and along the offensive line.
GM Brian Gutekunst won't have a first-round pick at his disposal, barring any more big-time trades, but the Packers will have a chance to get to work on the secondary and offensive line on Day 2. That's how this way-too-early mock draft has it playing out.
Packers find long-term replacement for Keisean Nixon in way-too-early 2026 NFL mock draft
Round 2 (58): Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
The Packers may need to end the Keisean Nixon experiment in the offseason. He hasn't stepped into the CB1 role as well as the team hoped, with Carrington Valentine becoming Green Bay's premier cover corner.
Nixon made a relatively good start to the season, but his performances have declined dramatically. Per Pro Football Focus, since Week 4, quarterbacks throwing his way have completed 29 of 48 passes for 325 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, a passer rating of 101.48. Nixon has six pass breakups in that time.
It's not like free-agent addition Nate Hobbs has performed much better, either, having already been benched this season. The Packers need to add a cornerback early in the draft.
This selection was inspired by FanSided's Mike Luciano, who believes South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse would fit perfectly in the Packers' scheme.
"Cisse has been flying up draft boards lately, and his man coverage excellence should be enough to make Packers DC Jeff Hafley bang the table for him at this point," writes Luciano.
That's key, as the Packers lack the cornerback talent to consistently play man coverage. It's likely why Hafley uses zone coverages 77 percent of the time, per Sharp Football Analysis.
As Luciano notes, Cisse's draft stock is increasing. The Packers will just hope it doesn't rise too much and takes him out of their range. After all, they don't hold a selection inside the first round, and they won't pick until late in the second.
According to PFF, Cisse has allowed a completion percentage of just 46.9 in his coverage this season, along with only one touchdown. He has picked off one pass and broken up six. While Cisse predominantly plays on the outside, he also offers experience in the slot. The Packers love that versatility.
Round 3 (90): Austin Siereveld, OL, Ohio State
The Packers could lose Rasheed Walker and Sean Rhyan in free agency, while Elgton Jenkins is a potential cut candidate. If all three depart, it would leave them with Zach Tom, Aaron Banks, Jordan Morgan, and Anthony Belton as the only established starters.
While they may need a new starting center, depending on the futures of Rhyan and Jenkins, it won't be surprising if the Packers target versatility. They love to add college tackles who offer the potential to play across the line. Ohio State's Austin Siereveld can do that.
In his two seasons at Ohio State, Siereveld has lined up at left tackle, left guard, and right guard. He is dominating at left tackle this season — per PFF, Siereveld has allowed zero sacks, one hit, and nine pressures. He also boasts an excellent 79.8 run-blocking grade.
Where would he play in Green Bay? Matt LaFleur could let him compete. While Morgan is the frontrunner for the left tackle job if Walker departs, he's far from guaranteed to win the competition. Siereveld could also kick inside and play at guard if the Packers preferred Belton at tackle.
You can never have enough offensive linemen competing for spots, and the Packers will need to restock their depth chart if they lose talent in the offseason. Siereveld has the versatility to help out wherever he's needed.