Packers draft preview: Linebacker looks deep, for now
Do the Packers need to add a linebacker in the 2026 draft? The position is in OK shape for this year.
The Green Bay Packers are going into the 2026 NFL draft with only eight draft picks and plenty of roster needs to address after another promising season fell apart late. Despite three straight playoff appearances, the Packers haven't finished higher than the No. 7 seed in the postseason field or advanced past the divisional round during the Jordan Love era.
Without a first-round pick due to the Micah Parsons trade, the Packers will need to win Day 2 and 3 to find contributors and long-term foundational pieces in this year's draft. Can the Packers use the 2026 draft to finally get over the hump in the NFC? Packers Wire’s position-by-position draft preview continues at linebacker: On the roster Edgerrin Cooper (signed through 2027) Zaire Franklin (signed through 2027) Isaiah McDuffie (signed through 2026) Ty'Ron Hopper (signed through 2027) Nick Niemann (signed through 2026) Kristian Welch (signed through 2026) Short term need Low.
In the 3-4 base, the Packers have two expected starters in Cooper, the rising star of the group, and Franklin, a 2024 Pro Bowler who will replace Quay Walker. The short-term depth is good, even if Franklin is coming off a poor 2025 season. McDuffie has played a lot of football for the Packers, Hopper is entering Year 3 and Niemann and Welch provide legitimate special teams value.
Unless the Packers have really soured on Hopper, it appears most of the 53-man roster spots at off-ball linebacker are already accounted for. Long term need Moderate. The Packers can get out of Franklin's deal as soon as 2027.