The Green Bay Packers are feeling the sting of handing out some big contracts over the last few years, as the start of free agency was mostly spent watching some noteworthy names leave town while cheaper replacements were brought in.
The Packers will likely focus most of their attention in the 2026 NFL Draft on improving their defense, as the secondary remains an area of need, and the pass rush stable outside of the recovering Micah Parsons is not going to strike fear in many of the top-end teams in the NFC North.
The Packers may be able to lean on an approach similar to what is laid out in this seven-round 2026 mock draft, and they may end up coming out of these troubling times smelling like a rose.
Green Bay Packers 7-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft after first wave of free agency
Round 2, Pick 53: Keionte Scott, CB, Miami
Scott isn't a lockdown corner due to his gambling nature, but he can play all over the defensive backfield and is one of the best tacklers in this class. With great ball skills, Scott should have no issue muscling his way into the Packers' starting lineup following Nate Hobbs' release. He intercepted two passes last season and returned both for touchdowns.
Round 3, Pick 84: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
Dennis-Sutton managed to beef up his stock at the NFL Combine by answering questions about his short-area quickness. A disruptor who can set the edge, this former Nittany Lion may have a higher ceiling as the Robin to Micah Parsons' Batman than failed first-rounder Lukas Van Ness. Dennis-Sutton recorded 8.5 sacks in each of his final two seasons at Penn State.
Round 4, Pick 120: Austin Barber, OT, Florida
Barber would not be a straight-up replacement for Rasheed Walker, but he would provide depth and some light pass protection footwork. Green Bay has historically decided to draft an excess of offensive linemen to always have solid depth. Jordan Morgan will likely get the start at left tackle this season, but Barber offers insurance and is a player to develop for the future.
Round 5, Pick 160: Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon
Canady was one of the stickiest man-coverage corners in the country last season. While he might be limited to the slot, he might be one of the few fifth-round picks who could immediately fight for a role in a starting defense.
Round 6, Pick 201: Jalon Daniels, QB, Kansas
Losing Malik Willis to the Miami Dolphins has left Desmond Ridder as the nominal backup behind Jordan Love. Like Willis, Daniels has tremendous mobility and is always keeping his eyes downfield to rip a deep shot.
Round 7, Pick 236: Noah Whittington, RB, Oregon
With Chris Brooks an unsatisfying option and MarShawn Lloyd hurt perpetually, Whittington could be a solid change-of-pace back who helps plug the hole created when Emanuel Wilson left for Seattle.
Round 7, Pick 255: Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State
Kacmarek is going to make his name in the NFL as a blocking tight end who can make the occasional tough catch over the middle, and his ability could help him compete for the TE3 role in Green Bay.