Spotlight will shine on Packers' recent first-round picks in 2026
The Packers didn't make a first-round pick in 2026, but the team's most recent three first rounders will be in the spotlight this season.
Jaire Alexander, Jordan Love and Rashan Gary helped usher in a new era for the Green Bay Packers . Now, the most recent batch of first-round picks will be in the spotlight as Love and the Packers attempt to get over the hump in 2026. Stars coming back from injuries and the general health of top players will be a main storyline for the Packers after the disappointing end to the 2025 season.
But the Packers also need 2023 first-round pick Lukas Van Ness, 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan and 2025 first-round pick Matthew Golden to ascend in important roles in 2026. The Packers deliberately cleared the way for the trio to be important players. Gary was traded to Dallas.
Rasheed Walker and Romeo Doubs signed elsewhere in free agency. The veterans were expendable because the Packers spent valuable draft capital to acquire their replacements. And now the Packers need the payoff to arrive in 2026.
Van Ness, who had his fifth-year option picked up by the Packers, will be a starting edge rusher for new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. With Micah Parsons likely to miss time to start the regular season and the proven depth at edge rusher depleted, Van Ness must hit the ground running and be a consistent playmaker at a premium position. He's been stalled by injuries each of the last two seasons, so staying healthy will be key -- especially after he showed signs of a breakout before (and even after) his foot injury in 2025.