Packers Seek Offensive Line Help in 2026 NFL Draft

A modest trade up could land Green Bay an impact tackle to protect QB Jordan Love.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:07am

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting the fragmented components of a football offensive line, rendered in a palette of greens, golds, and blues to capture the complex dynamics of the trenches.The Packers' offensive line needs an infusion of talent, and a strategic draft trade could be the key to shoring up this critical unit.Green Bay Today

The Green Bay Packers are considering their options for the 2026 NFL Draft, with a focus on addressing needs on the offensive line. While some have suggested the team could target a quarterback or wide receiver, the consensus view is that an offensive tackle should be the priority, potentially requiring a trade up from their current second-round pick at No. 52 overall.

Why it matters

The Packers' offensive line is not in crisis, but it also lacks a clear long-term solution, especially with Jordan Love now entrenched as the starting quarterback. Upgrading the tackle position could provide critical protection and stability for the offense in the coming seasons.

The details

Green Bay has eight picks in the 2026 draft, giving them the flexibility to make a modest trade up from No. 52 to target an offensive tackle who may be slipping down the board. This approach is seen as preferable to simply staying put and potentially missing out on the last of the top tackle prospects, or using the pick on a quarterback or receiver when more pressing needs exist on the offensive line.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26.

The players

Jordan Love

The Packers' starting quarterback, who is entering his fourth season in the NFL.

Taylen Green

An Arkansas quarterback prospect who has been linked to the Packers as a potential developmental option.

Matthew Golden

A wide receiver who had an inconsistent rookie season with the Packers in 2025.

Randall Cobb

A veteran wide receiver and former Packers player who has argued the team does not need to prioritize the position in the draft.

Ben Solak

An ESPN analyst who has suggested the Packers could consider drafting Taylen Green as a backup quarterback.

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What they’re saying

“Not every slow start for a rookie is a red flag, and not every offensive problem needs to be addressed by drafting another wideout, and using a top pick on that position would reflect more on impatience than on strategic planning.”

— Randall Cobb, Former Packers player

“The best trade option for Green Bay would be to move up a short distance from No. 52 to select an offensive tackle, and this approach is preferable to simply staying put and makes more sense than using that pick on a quarterback or another receiver.”

— Yago Antunes, Author

What’s next

The Packers will look to make a trade up in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft to target an offensive tackle who can provide immediate help for their offensive line.

The takeaway

Green Bay's draft strategy should focus on addressing their most pressing need on the offensive line, even if it requires a modest trade up from their second-round pick. This approach is seen as more prudent than reaching for a quarterback or receiver when the roster has a clear hole at tackle that could be filled early in the draft.