The 2026 NFL Draft has officially come and gone. The Green Bay Packers and general manager Brian Gutekunst added six new players to the roster through the draft. Additionally, the Packers made moves by signing several undrafted free agents. Click here to learn more about this year’s Packers draft class, and click here to learn about the undrafted free agents.
Roster building in the NFL is a 365-day-a-year process—it never stops. Not every need can be addressed through the NFL Draft. This year was interesting for the Packers because it felt more like a needs-based draft rather than a true BAP (best available player) approach. That said, it doesn’t mean Green Bay has filled every hole on the roster.
So… what needs do the Packers still have? Here are my top five remaining positional needs:
Packers Number Five Need: Quarterback
Just like in last year’s post-draft needs article, the Packers could still add to their quarterback room. Green Bay currently has four quarterbacks on the roster, but none have proven they can meet the standard set by last year’s backup, Malik Willis. Maintaining a pipeline of young, talented quarterbacks is simply good business in the NFL.
Over the past couple of seasons, Jordan Love has dealt with injuries, forcing Willis to step in. Do the Packers currently have someone they trust to do that again? I’m not convinced. Desmond Ridder could potentially take a step forward, but that remains to be seen. Kyle McCord and Kyron Drones are developmental prospects and likely won’t be ready to contribute right away. That said, I’m excited to see what Drones can bring to the table.
There has been some talk about the Packers adding to the room post-draft—possibly a name like Anthony Richardson—but don’t hold your breath.
Number Four Need: Running Back
This isn’t an indictment of Josh Jacobs—this is about the future. The 2026 season could very well be his last in Green Bay. Even if it’s not, he’ll be 29 after the season, and running back regression around age 30 is very real. The Packers tend to move on a year early rather than a year late.
Then there’s MarShawn Lloyd, who hasn’t been able to stay healthy enough to prove himself on the field. Chris Brooks is under contract for the next two seasons, but beyond that, there isn’t much depth. The Packers need to continue adding to this position and preparing for the future. They’re hoping Lloyd can break out, but if not, this could become a problem quickly.
Number Three Need: Corner Back
The Packers addressed this position twice in the draft, but relying on rookie cornerbacks is never easy. That said, Brandon Cisse could quickly emerge as one of the better options on the roster. The addition of Benjamin St-Juste should also help.
Still, Green Bay shouldn’t feel comfortable relying on Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine as their primary boundary corners. If that ends up being the case, the defense could struggle. Adding a proven veteran on the outside would go a long way—not only for immediate impact, but also for the development of the younger players.
Packers Number Two Need: Defensive Line
Green Bay made notable additions to the defensive line, signing Javon Hargrave to a two-year deal and drafting Chris McClellan. That should help address the interior, especially against the run. The Packers also have Karl Brooks, Nazir Stackhouse, Warren Brinson, and Devonte Wyatt.
However, there are still concerns. Hargrave is 33 years old, and Devonte Wyatt has not yet been extended—and may not be. Stackhouse and Brinson showed flashes as rookies but can’t be fully relied upon just yet. If the Packers don’t continue to build depth here, they risk repeating last season’s struggles against the run. Expect Green Bay to add at least a veteran depth piece.
Packers Number One Need: Tight End
Finally, the biggest remaining need: tight end.
Tucker Kraft is recovering from an ACL tear and has yet to receive a contract extension. Luke Musgrave hasn’t quite developed into the player the Packers hoped for when they drafted him in the second round, and he also remains unextended. Behind them, Messiah Swinson currently sits as the third option.
Beyond Kraft and Musgrave, there isn’t much depth. Kraft is likely to be extended, but returning from an ACL injury is no easy task—and injuries can happen at any time. The Packers need to strengthen this position, and they’ll likely look to add help before or during training camp.
So, tight end stands as my number one remaining need for the Packers after the NFL Draft.
But no matter what,
Go Pack Go!
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Damon is a diehard, fully-immersed cheesehead who currently lives in southern Missouri. He teaches at a local high school and has a family YouTube channel about all things Packers. You can follow him on twitter at @packersfamily and on YouTube at The Packers Family.
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