Among defensive tackle prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers should have Christen Miller high on the list. They probably do, seeing as they brought him in for a visit. The 6-foot-4, 321-pound run-stuffer is the type of menace the Green and Gold could use in the teeth of the defense.
Unfortunately, the Minnesota Vikings may be in the same boat. Defensive tackle became a position of dire need once they released Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, notes ESPN analyst Jordan Reid. And in his final mock draft, he has them doing something about it by drafting Miller at No. 49, three spots before the Packers hit the clock.
If Miller fits the Vikings' fancy, the scenario could play out in real life, too. The ball is in Minnesota's court.
Packers could lose out on top DT prospect to rival Vikings
The Packers might not have a chance at Miller either way. Being available at No. 49 would already represent a dip relative to most prospect rankings. If the Vikings don't get him, someone else probably will before then.
Ironically, Minnesota would be motivated to take Miller in part because they gifted Hargrave to Green Bay. That's an exchange the Packers would make all day, but losing out on Miller, just three spots before they could have had him themselves, would be a painful stroke of luck.
Not everyone would necessarily agree. Plenty of Green Bay fans would be just fine with the player Reid gives them: edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton out of Penn State. Honestly? Sign the Packers up for that one.
In terms of positional need, however, Miller would be the more productive pick. The defense could use another edge rusher, but they need a nose tackle even more. Last season at Georgia, Miller's Pro Football Focus grade of 88.1 against the run ranked 10th in the nation.
Miller's box-score stats won't wow anyone: 23 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and four tackles for loss, per Pro Football Reference. While he graded out fairly well as a pass rusher, the statistical production is lacking. The Packers wouldn't be drafting him for that. They already have Hargrave and Devonte Wyatt to provide the highlight-reel plays on the defensive front.
Instead, what makes Miller a fit for the Packers could also appeal to the Vikings with prospects like Clemson's Peter Woods and Florida's Caleb Banks off the board. Here's what an NFC scout said of Miller, according to Lance Zierlein's prospect notes: "He's solid and tough and that's a valuable position, so he probably goes earlier than you think." Sitting with the 52nd overall pick (and no first-rounder), the second part is the kicker for Green Bay.
That doesn't mean there won't be other options, even if the Packers choose to target a defensive tackle. Intriguingly, Reid has them passing on both Lee Hunter (Texas Tech) and Gracen Halton (Oklahoma), who are taken at 63rd and 60th, respectively.
If it's Miller the Packers want, though, the Vikings might be the ones to decide whether they get him.
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