Packers Seek Secondary Help in 2026 NFL Draft

ESPN experts provide insight into Green Bay's draft strategy with no first-round pick.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:42pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a football game or NFL draft scene, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in shades of green, gold, and navy blue, conceptually representing the Packers' strategic approach to the 2026 NFL Draft.The Packers' draft strategy aims to rebuild their secondary through a geometric, cubist lens.Green Bay Today

The Green Bay Packers, a perennial playoff team, enter the 2026 NFL Draft without a first-round pick after trading it away last year. ESPN experts Rob Demovsky and Matt Miller provide insight into the Packers' draft plans, including their need to address the secondary and potentially target cornerbacks early.

Why it matters

The Packers have been one of the NFL's most consistent franchises, making the playoffs in 6 of the last 7 seasons. With no first-round pick this year, they'll need to find value in the later rounds to continue building a championship-caliber roster.

The details

The Packers traded their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks, along with defensive tackle Kenny Clark, to the Dallas Cowboys to acquire five-time Pro Bowl linebacker Micah Parsons before last season. Despite the lack of a first-rounder, Green Bay still has seven picks in the 2026 draft, starting at No. 52 overall in the second round. The team's new defensive coordinator, Jonathan Gannon, is expected to target cornerbacks early, with Chris Johnson of San Diego State as a potential Day 2 target.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

The players

Jonathan Gannon

The new defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers.

Brian Gutekunst

The general manager of the Green Bay Packers.

Chris Johnson

A cornerback prospect from San Diego State University who is reportedly on the Packers' radar for the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“New defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon needs help at several positions, but chief among them is cornerback. And don't be surprised if the Packers pick more than one.”

— Rob Demovsky, ESPN expert

“The Packers have been widely connected to the second tier of corners in this class since the Senior Bowl. Chris Johnson (San Diego State) has plenty of fans in the team's scouting department, from what I've heard.”

— Matt Miller, ESPN expert

What’s next

The Packers will look to address their secondary needs in the 2026 NFL Draft, which runs from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

The takeaway

Despite trading away their first-round picks, the Packers remain committed to building a championship-caliber roster through the draft. Their focus on the secondary, particularly at cornerback, shows they are determined to improve a unit that was a weakness last season.