The Green Bay Packers are about to enter April—aka draft month—and still have needs that must be addressed. Now, don’t get me wrong: the Packers could line up for a game tomorrow and still be competitive with how their roster is currently constructed. But, as Brian Gutekunst has said himself, “player acquisition in the NFL is a 365-day-a-year job.”
Last week, we evaluated the needs on the offensive side of the ball. In this article, we’ll explore the Packers’ defensive needs, as well as whether there are any gaps on special teams.
Remember, for an NFL team, a “need” isn’t always about what must be fixed this season—it’s also about planning for the future. With that in mind, let’s get started.
Player Needs for the Packers Defense
Let’s break this down by levels, starting with the big guys up front. It certainly seems like the Packers could be moving back to a base 3–4 defense, especially with the addition of an outside linebackers coach. That may not be confirmed, but it’s a reasonable assumption.
With that in mind, the defensive line still needs help. Devonte Wyatt should be able to participate in minicamp this spring, but with Colby Wooden gone and Kenny Clark traded in the deal for Micah Parsons, depth is a major concern. Yes, Green Bay added Javon Hargrave, but they still lack a true run-stuffing nose tackle. The Packers can’t go into next season without addressing that.
Packers Edge Pass Rushers
The interior line isn’t the only concern. On the edge, the Packers still have one of the best pass rushers in football in Micah Parsons. However, he may miss the start of the season while recovering from his ACL injury.
Lucas Van Ness has shown improvement over his first three years but hasn’t quite lived up to expectations for a first-round pick. Additionally, the Packers have yet to exercise his fifth-year option, meaning he’s not currently under contract for 2027.
Green Bay drafted Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver last year, but they can’t assume both will develop into reliable contributors. Adding another edge rusher—either through the draft or post-draft free agency—would make sense.
Linebacker
The Packers lost Quay Walker in free agency but acquired Zaire Franklin in a trade. They also have depth pieces in Ty’Ron Hopper and Isaiah McDuffie.
Overall, this group is solid. Green Bay may look to add competition through undrafted free agents, but linebacker doesn’t feel like a pressing need.
Cornerback
This might be the biggest question mark on the roster.
Some might argue it’s the Packers’ top need—and they’d have a strong case. While the team could roll into the season with Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, Benjamin St-Juste, and Javon Bullard in the slot, it’s hard to believe they’ll stand pat.
Expect Green Bay to add at least one more cornerback before the season begins.
Safeties
This is the one position group that feels secure.
Xavier McKinney is an All-Pro-caliber player, and Evan Williams has shown flashes of Pro Bowl potential. There’s also solid depth with Kitan Oladapo, Jonathan Baldwin, and Bullard potentially contributing here as well.
The Packers could add bodies for camp, but this isn’t a priority.
Packers Special Teams
Green Bay finally addressed the return game with the addition of Skyy Moore and has a strong gunner in Bo Melton. They’re stable at long snapper with Matt Orzech and have a high-upside punter in Daniel Whelan.
The only real question mark is at kicker. Brandon McManus is 34 and coming off an injury. While Lucas Havrisik provides competition, this will likely be McManus’ job to lose.
Looking Ahead to the Draft
Now, all eyes turn to the draft.
As always,
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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Damon Sewell
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. Click on the icons below to follow him on social media.