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Packers Target 3 Sleeper Prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Green Bay looks to add explosive playmakers and defensive depth to push them over the top
Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:04am
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The Green Bay Packers are looking to the 2026 NFL Draft to address key roster needs and find sleeper prospects who can help the team take the next step after a disappointing 2025 season. The team is targeting running back Robert Henry Jr. from UTSA, cornerback Avery Smith from Toledo, and edge rusher Malachi Lawrence from UCF as potential late-round gems who could provide an immediate impact.
Why it matters
The Packers have been knocking on the door of postseason success in recent years, but have struggled to finish games and make deep playoff runs. Adding explosive playmakers on offense and shoring up the defense with reliable depth pieces could be the difference in helping Green Bay break through and become a true Super Bowl contender.
The details
The Packers are coming off a 9-7-1 season in 2025 that saw them make the playoffs as a 7-seed, only to lose in the Wild Card round to their rivals, the Chicago Bears. Key injuries, including to tight end Tucker Kraft and star linebacker Micah Parsons, contributed to a late-season collapse. In the offseason, Green Bay has been aggressive in free agency, signing defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, but also losing edge rusher Rashan Gary in a trade. The team still has holes to fill, especially at cornerback and on the edge, which is where their three targeted prospects come into play.
- The Packers finished the 2025 season with a 9-7-1 record, making the playoffs as the 7-seed.
- In the Wild Card round, the Packers lost to the Chicago Bears 31-27.
- The Packers have been active in 2026 free agency, signing DT Javon Hargrave but losing key players like Rashan Gary.
The players
Robert Henry Jr.
A running back from the University of Texas-San Antonio (UTSA), Henry is a versatile playmaker who averaged 6.9 yards per carry in 2025. His explosiveness and ability to create something out of nothing could provide a valuable safety valve for Packers QB Jordan Love.
Avery Smith
A cornerback from the University of Toledo, Smith is a fundamentally sound defensive back with the length, speed, and instincts to excel in man coverage. He could help shore up the Packers' secondary, which struggled with consistency in 2025.
Malachi Lawrence
An edge rusher from the University of Central Florida (UCF), Lawrence brings the kind of explosive first step and relentless motor that could help replace the production lost with the departure of Rashan Gary. He could be a valuable addition to the Packers' pass rush.
What’s next
The Packers will look to address their roster needs and find value in the 2026 NFL Draft, with a focus on adding explosive playmakers on offense and shoring up the defense with reliable depth pieces.
The takeaway
The Packers are close to breaking through and becoming a true Super Bowl contender, but they need to find the right mix of talent and depth to push them over the top. Identifying sleeper prospects like Robert Henry Jr., Avery Smith, and Malachi Lawrence could be the key to unlocking the team's full potential.
