Packers' 2026 NFL Mock Draft Fills Key Needs Across 8 Picks

Green Bay lands a potential starting cornerback, linebacker, and defensive lineman in this 2026 NFL mock draft.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:09pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting various football players and draft prospects in overlapping geometric shapes and planes, using a vibrant color palette to conceptually represent the Packers' strategic draft plan.A conceptual illustration capturing the strategic approach the Packers took in this 2026 NFL mock draft to address roster needs across the defense and offense.Green Bay Today

The Green Bay Packers don't have a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but they make the most of their eight selections to address key needs on defense and add offensive depth. Their picks include cornerback Keith Abney II, linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, wide receiver Cyrus Allen, offensive tackle Diego Pounds, running back J'Mari Taylor, and quarterback Taylen Green.

Why it matters

The Packers are looking to reload their roster and return to the playoffs after missing out in 2025. This mock draft shows how they can strategically target positions of need, from cornerback to linebacker to the defensive line, while also adding offensive weapons and developmental talent at quarterback.

The details

In the second round, the Packers select cornerback Keith Abney II from Arizona State, who NFL Draft Buzz says has the tools to be a starting-caliber defensive back in the right scheme. In the third round, they land linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. from Texas, who NFL.com projects as a future Pro Bowler with his instincts, athleticism, and versatility. The Packers then add defensive tackle Zxavian Harris from Mississippi in the fourth round, a player Bleacher Report says has great size and length to develop. Later picks include wide receiver Cyrus Allen from Cincinnati, offensive tackle Diego Pounds from Mississippi, running back J'Mari Taylor from Virginia, and quarterback Taylen Green from Arkansas.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April 2026.

The players

Keith Abney II

A cornerback from Arizona State who NFL Draft Buzz says has the tools to be a starting-caliber defensive back in the right scheme.

Anthony Hill Jr.

A linebacker from Texas who NFL.com projects as a future Pro Bowler with his instincts, athleticism, and versatility.

Zxavian Harris

A defensive tackle from Mississippi who Bleacher Report says has great size and length to develop.

Cyrus Allen

A wide receiver from Cincinnati who The Athletic says is a dynamic athlete with quickness and ball skills.

Diego Pounds

An offensive tackle from Mississippi who The Athletic says has the talent to compete for a backup role as a rookie.

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What they’re saying

“After watching Abney work through his junior tape, I came away convinced this is a player who will carve out a real career in the NFL, though not necessarily as a perimeter lockdown corner. His best football at the next level will come in a scheme that lets him play off-man, zone, or pattern-match concepts where his processing and physicality can shine without putting him on an island against burners who can just run past him.”

— NFL Draft Buzz

“Three-down linebacker with the playing demeanor and production of a future Pro Bowler. He's instinctive, athletic, and under control, transitioning seamlessly from read to react to finish. He plays with downhill thump to thwart interior blocks and the speed to pursue runners from sideline to sideline.”

— Lance Zierlein

“Harris has great size and length, giving him a rare frame and unique traits to develop. When he does get his hands up against the run, he has the strength to hold his gap against base blocks and shed to make tackles in his gap.”

— Matt Holder

What’s next

The Packers will look to finalize their 2026 draft class and begin integrating the new players into their offseason program ahead of the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The Packers were able to address key needs on defense while also adding offensive depth in this 2026 NFL mock draft, setting them up well to compete in the NFC North next season.