The Packers Will Splurge On Gannon's Defense In the Draft

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst surprised the masses when he selected two wide receivers in the first three rounds of the draft last April. The pick sandwiched between the two pass catchers was also an offensive player, lineman Anthony Belton.

With new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon in place this offseason and a lot of boxes checked on offense, don't be surprised if the Packers swing big in the draft on defense — and do so repeatedly.

Entering the draft last year, cornerback and defensive tackle were a couple of areas that appeared in need of reinforcements. When people thought that Green Bay would zig, they zagged by funneling draft resources into the offense early.

Fast forward a year, and those two positions are still in need of a boost. Meanwhile, the Packers have much of their offense firmly in place. They have their quarterback in Jordan Love; the only question at quarterback is who will back him up. It'd be shocking to see Green Bay use a pick early in the draft to address that.

Josh Jacobs is returning, as is MarShawn Lloyd. The latter hasn't proven reliable, playing in just one game over two years due to injuries. However, Lloyd will likely get one more chance in 2026 to prove his worth. In case he isn't able to stay healthy, the Packers re-signed Chris Brooks to a two-year deal. Like quarterback, Green Bay could scoop up a running back in the draft, but it'd be surprising if they do so early.

Even after losing Romeo Doubs, there are five wide receivers cemented in for 2026. The biggest question at wide receiver this offseason for the Packers is whether they hash out an extension with Christian Watson. Jayden Reed could also be a candidate.

At tight end, it's a similar story. Tucker Kraft will be returning from a torn ACL, and Luke Musgrave is also back in the picture. To round out the depth, Green Bay re-signed Josh Whyle earlier in March to a one-year deal. The biggest question at tight end is when Kraft will get an extension and what those numbers will look like.

Green Bay has continued to exhaust every avenue to add options and versatility along the offensive line. The starting five appears set after Sean Rhyan re-signed this offseason, but it wouldn't be surprising to see the Packers draft one or two linemen. In fact, it'd be more surprising if they didn't.

The defensive side of the ball is far less sorted out.

Gannon will flip the Packers from a base 4-3 defense to a 3-4. As a result, having a defensive tackle and a sizable nose tackle is something Green Bay has to prioritize in the draft. Even with Devonte Wyatt back and Javon Hargrave signed, it's still a position in limbo.

At cornerback, Green Bay shuffled in Benjamin St-Juste and shuffled out Nate Hobbs, but that shouldn't be the only changes at cornerback. If the Packers push more chips into the center of the table at cornerback, they could do so by using their second-round pick. Of course, Gutekunst also talks about how the board falls and how Green Bay doesn't draft based on need. Still, there's always wiggle room to pivot off such strong stances, and cornerback is a position of serious need.

The Packers traded for Zaire Franklin before Quay Walker left for Las Vegas. Green Bay essentially helped show Walker the door. Franklin will work alongside Edgerrin Cooper, but Franklin will turn 30 this summer. They didn't make the Franklin deal with an eye toward the long term, but toward the interim.

While a lot depends on Green Bay's thoughts about Ty'Ron Hopper, a third-round pick in 2024, inside linebacker is a sneaky spot that the Packers could target early in the draft.

Finally, consider edge rusher.

We don't know if Lukas Van Ness will have his fifth-year option picked. We don't know if either Barryn Sorrell or Collin Oliver — both drafted last year — will be significant contributors. However, we know Micah Parsons will miss the start of the season. We also know that Rashan Gary is no longer in Green Bay. Targeting an edge rusher early should also be in the cards.

Gannon is coming in to take over a defense that made plenty of strides in the two years Jeff Hafley ran the show. There will be plenty of tinkering, and Gannon should push for the guys he wants in the draft. Given the positions most in need of a boost, coupled with a new voice coming in to run the defense, it makes a ton of sense for Gutekunst to focus on that side of the ball early and often in the draft.