Jan. 29, 2026, 4:51 p.m. CT

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers could be losing three or even four starters from their 2025 Week 1 starting offensive line. Rasheed Walker and Sean Rhyan are both set to hit the open markets, while Elgton Jenkins and Aaron Banks could both be cap casualties. It’s also possible that Zach Tom misses the start of the season as he recovers from his knee injury.

It’s very possible that Green Bay could have a completely different starting offensive line when they open the 2026 season. The good news is the Packers appear to have their left tackle in Jordan Morgan and Anthony Belton figures to slide into a permanent starting role during his second year in the league.

Even with those two in place, Brian Gutekunst will almost certainly invest multiple picks into the offensive line during the 2026 NFL Draft. A potential target is Beau Stepehens. The Iowa guard checks in at No. 83 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

Stephens, a native of Missouri and high school offensive tackle, finished his career at Iowa with 25 starts at left guard and 10 at right guard. The Hawkeyes won the Joe Moore award and it’s a group that would have had all five starters drafted if they had all declared.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

“Stephens, with Logan Jones and Gennings Dunker, was a steadying force up front,” Riley Donald, a contributor for Hawkeyeswire, said. “With younger skill guys and a new quarterback, this group calmed things down. In the run game, Stephens was simply elite.  He is a veteran who has seen it all.”

Stephens is a road grader and works hard to gain leverage. He’s got a strong grip at contact to move bodies out of the way to clear running lanes. He has excellent short-area quickness as a run blocker and looks comfortable when he climbs to the linebacker level.

“He is so experienced and comes from Tim Lester’s scheme, which has traces of Matt LaFleur and Kyle Shanahan elements in it,” Donald said. “He can handle his own one-on-one and has the athleticism to get to the next level.”Stephens has patient hands as a pass blocker. He uses a timely punch to thwart the momentum of oncoming pass rushers. He has a strong anchor to slow down power rushers. His feet are adequate and he’s quick in his shuffle. He does a good job of walling off defenders to protect the integrity of the pocket.

Over the past two seasons, Stephens gave up zero sacks and 11 pressures. Some of those numbers may be due to Iowa’s offense being a run-first team and they rarely asked their quarterback to drop back and zip the pigskin.

Fit the Packers

With all the moving parts, Green Bay’s offensive line could get an overhaul this offseason. With his experience playing both guard spots, Stephens could be a potential target early on Day 3 of the draft for the Packers.

He’d provide quality depth at guard, and could earn a starting spot at either guard spot, depending on what happens with Banks and if Belton is forced to play right tackle to start the season with Tom potentially sidelined.

“He comes from an offensive scheme that is already abundantly used in the NFL and brings an immediate high floor with him,” Donald said. “He may not be your All-Pro every single year, but Stephens is a decade-long starter or depth piece for a team that plugs in a gap.”

Stephens is a big, physical blocker. This past season the Packers rarely imposed their will on defenses with their ability to run the ball. They lacked an edge. Stephens would bring that toughness to an offensive line group that desperately needs an attitude adjustment.

He’s a well-rounded player who will blast open running lanes for Josh Jacobs and he’s skilled in pass protection to help keep Jordan Love upright.