Packers draft preview: Linebacker looks deep, for now

The Green Bay Packers are going into the 2026 NFL draft with only eight draft picks and plenty of roster needs to address after another promising season fell apart late. Despite three straight playoff appearances, the Packers haven't finished higher than the No. 7 seed in the postseason field or advanced past the divisional round during the Jordan Love era. Without a first-round pick due to the Micah Parsons trade, the Packers will need to win Day 2 and 3 to find contributors and long-term foundational pieces in this year's draft.Can the Packers use the 2026 draft to finally get over the hump in the NFC?AdvertisementPackers Wire’s position-by-position draft preview continues at linebacker:On the rosterShort term needLow. In the 3-4 base, the Packers have two expected starters in Cooper, the rising star of the group, and Franklin, a 2024 Pro Bowler who will replace Quay Walker. The short-term depth is good, even if Franklin is coming off a poor 2025 season. McDuffie has played a lot of football for the Packers, Hopper is entering Year 3 and Niemann and Welch provide legitimate special teams value. Unless the Packers have really soured on Hopper, it appears most of the 53-man roster spots at off-ball linebacker are already accounted for.AdvertisementLong term needModerate. The Packers can get out of Franklin's deal as soon as 2027. McDuffie is entering a contract year. Hopper hasn't yet shown he can be a starter. Cooper provides a long-term foundational piece, but the position could be in for an overhaul as soon as next year. Besides Hopper, who is now entering Year 3, there is no developmental linebacker on the roster.Chances of drafting positionLow to moderate. There is almost no short-term need, so the Packers could see linebacker as a roster concern for tomorrow. But if Franklin is truly viewed as a one-year patch, and the team doesn't believe in McDuffie or Hopper as a future starter, then linebacker becomes an intriguing option in this draft. To fill the long-term need, the Packers would have to take a prospect who they feel can start in 2027.AdvertisementDepth of draft classOK. If the Packers do want to invest early, there are a few enticing options that fit on Day 2. But the position group thins out considerably into Day 3, so it might behoove the Packers to either act early or wait until late. Jaden Dugger, a pre-draft visitor, looks like a prime seventh-round option. One thing to consider: There appears to be many very good athletes at the linebacker position in this class. Don't be surprised if the Packers sign one or two following the draft.Potential optionsJacob Rodriguez - Texas Tech (45 on consensus big board)Anthony Hill Jr. - Texas (48)Josiah Trotter - Missouri (63)Kaleb Elarms-Orr - TCU (130)Jack Kelly - BYU (174)Karson Sharar - Iowa (259)Jaden Dugger - Louisana-Lafayette (277)Namdi Obiazor - TCU (315)Last LB drafted: Ty'Ron Hopper, third round, 2024This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers draft preview: Linebacker looks deep, for now