The Green Bay Packers' offseason is not going to satisfy everyone. Not only was trading for linebacker Zaire Franklin their big external addition, but the loss of names like Rasheed Walker, Malik Willis, and Romeo Doubs has the Packers looking like a much less well-rounded roster heading into the 2026 season.
The 2026 NFL Draft is also going to be an underwhelming affair for Green Bay, as the lack of a first-round selection due to the Micah Parsons trade has Brian Gutekunst in need of a major scouting win to give this roster the juice it needs. Luckily for him, it's become completely clear what the Packers need to do.
Green Bay is releasing Nate Hobbs, signing no one with more pomp and circumstance than Benjamin St-Juste to replace him, and what was an already thin room before the year began has made cornerback the top need for this team in the 2026 NFL Draft and the top choice for selection at No. 52 overall.
Packers need to use pick No. 52 in 2026 NFL Draft on a cornerback
Green Bay can benefit from a cornerback class that makes up for a lack of elite high-end talent with a ton of depth. There could be as many as nine or 10 cornerbacks selected in the first few rounds, which could give the Packers hope that their selection could be an instant starter.
If the Packers want to add an outside cornerback with some solid size, names like Ohio State's Davison Igbinosun, Arkansas' Julian Neal, and San Diego State's Chris Johnson should be on their radar. New DC Jonathan Gannon has historically valued corners who can be disruptive down the field.
If Green Bay wants a smaller cornerback who can line up in the slot, Arizona State's Keith Abney, Miami's Keionte Scott, and Texas' Malik Muhammad could be right there for the taking at No. 52 overall. If size concerns force him to fall, even Indiana's D'Angelo Ponds could be in play. Slot corner is less of a concern, given how well Javon Bullard played there last season.
The third round could be a prime spot for a pass-rusher, especially with Parsons looking to work his way back to full health. Alabama's LT Overton could be a nice target as a third-round defensive lineman, while Tennessee's Joshua Josephs or UCF's Malachi Lawrence could be stand-up speed demons on the edge.
The Packers' defense could be in for a major regression, no matter if they had Jeff Hafley or Gannon in charge, as the lack of talent at some key positions after the start of the offseason. Drafting well could mitigate some of that damage.