NFC NorthPick: No 1st Round Pick (traded to DAL)

Green Bay Packers: 2026 NFL Draft Preview

How They Got Here

Green Bay went 9-8 in Love's first full season as starter, then broke through in 2025 (11-6, NFC Championship). The Parsons trade sent picks #20 and a 2027 first to Dallas but gave Green Bay an elite edge rusher. The defense improved but still had holes. The loss to Washington (31-24) exposed the secondary.

Team Needs

DLSWR

Green Bay doesn't have a first-round pick — they traded #20 to Dallas in the Micah Parsons blockbuster. The Packers went 11-6 and lost to Washington in the NFC Championship. Despite no first-rounder, this roster is loaded around Jordan Love. Green Bay will address needs in Rounds 2-3 after an 11-6 season and NFC Championship loss to Washington. The Packers are legitimate Super Bowl contenders with Jordan Love at the helm (29 TDs, 10 INTs, 98.7 rating). But the defense, despite the Micah Parsons acquisition from Dallas, needs interior line help. The safety position was exposed in the championship game. Green Bay is one or two pieces away from a title.

Draft Outlook

Woods anchors the interior. Thieneman fills the safety void. Boston adds a red-zone weapon. The Packers will take the best available defensive player — the offense doesn't need help. Green Bay is one defensive piece away from being the NFC favorite.

Top Prospect Fits

1. Peter Woods

DT — Clemson

An ultra-athletic interior disruptor with rare energy. At 6-3, 305 lbs, Woods' penetration ability would anchor Green Bay's defensive front and help Parsons get one-on-ones. If he falls to #27, the Packers win the value game. Odds: +175 to go #27 (favorite).

2. Dillon Thieneman

S — Oregon

An instinctive ball-finder who attacks the ball in coverage. At 6-1, 205 lbs, Thieneman fills the safety void exposed in the NFC Championship. He's a Day 1 starter with range. Odds: +225 to go #27.

3. Denzel Boston

WR — Washington

A big-bodied physical chain-mover with strong hands. At 6-2, 210 lbs, Boston's red-zone presence would complement the young receivers. Love needs a big target in the end zone. Odds: +275 to go #27.

Draft Strategy

The Packers trust their board. Brian Gutekunst has consistently found starters in the late first round, and #27 is no different. Defense is the priority — the offense is set with Love, Watson, Reed, and Doubs. One more piece on defense could make Green Bay a Super Bowl favorite.

Betting Analysis

The #27 pick market leans defense. Woods leads at +175, Thieneman at +225, Boston at +275. Green Bay is -175 to draft a defender in Round 1. Woods at +175 is fair value — he's the best DT likely available this late. Thieneman at +225 offers value if the safety need is deemed more pressing. The Packers rarely trade up (-300 to stay at #27).