The Green Bay Packers not only need to knuckle down if they want to make it to the 2025 postseason, but they must also prepare for a 2026 season without superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons due to his ACL injury that has created a cavernous hole in this defense.
Due to the combination of poor pass-rush production, an offensive line that needs one more playmaker, and a secondary that is being held together by string and duct tape, the Packers need to knock it out of the park in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Following this plan of attack won't fix all of Green Bay's issues, but it will put them on a more robust path to success than if they go in a different direction.
Green Bay Packers 4-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Round 2, Pick 53: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
Height is going to be one of the lightest defensive ends in the NFL, as his 240-pound frame will make him almost unplayable on run downs. However, Height has tremendous explosion and a skill for getting after the quarterback, and that type of player is sorely needed in this stagnant Green Bay pass rush.
Height's usage as a situational pass rusher in Green Bay could help the well-traveled transfer portal product match the nine sacks he tallied for the Red Raiders this season. If he adds weight, he could push for a regular starting role alongside Parsons in the Packers' defense.
Round 3, Pick 85: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
Jeff Hafley has been able to get the most out of a cornerback room that doesn't exactly have a bunch of future All-Pros in it, but the lack of high-end talent is starting to show up. Even though he might be picked later on Day 2, Rivers is flashing many of the traits that teams want to see from NFL starters.
With tremendous quickness and excellent zone coverage instincts, Rivers has the look of a player who could be a prototypical NFL nickel. While he might fall due to concerns about his slight 5-10 frame and limited versatility, Rivers' tape is too impressive to ignore.
Round 4, Pick 121: Keylan Rutledge, IOL, Georgia Tech
Even though Green Bay invested a second-round pick in tackle Anthony Belton last season, he is by no means enough to fix a Packers offensive line that remains completely unsettled. There's no such thing as having too many good offensive linemen, especially if they have the potential Rutledge brings to the table.
Rutledge might lack great mobility, but his game is all about power. A people-mover in the run game who is likely to be among the best performers in the bench press at the NFL Combine, Rutledge could be the type of road-grader that opens up huge holes for Josh Jacobs to run through.