Could Packers First Pick in 2026 Draft Be an Edge Rusher?
Adding another pass rusher with a premium pick could be a smart move for Green Bay.
By markoldacres
At this time of year, fans of all 32 teams have their shopping lists ready ahead of the NFL draft, having identified the urgent needs their club needs to fill, as well as their favorite players at those positions.
In Green Bay, general managers over the years have made a habit of looking ahead with their premium draft picks, analyzing what their long-term roster needs could be, rather than just the holes that need plugging in the present.
That, along with their general preference to simply take the best player available, has led to some 1st and 2nd round picks Packers fans may not have seen coming, or thought were the best use of resources at the time, given the state of the roster at that moment.
This year, the defensive tackle (specifically nose tackle) and cornerback spots have been earmarked as the most in need of additions.
It is true that Green Bay is overdue for premium draft investments at those spots, having taken just one defensive tackle in the first three rounds since Brian Gutekunst succeeded Ted Thompson in 2018, and three cornerbacks, two of which were in his first draft.
Based on how the board looks to be shaping up though, and the underrated need for another pass rusher, do not be surprised if the Packers go EDGE with their first pick in the 2026 draft.
Green Bay is slated to make their first pick 52nd overall. Looking at the consensus big board, here are the volumes of each position between number 47 and 83 (the Packers pick 84th in round 3):
Wide receiver - 7
- EDGE - 6
- Cornerback - 5
- Linebacker - 3
- Safety - 3
- Running back - 2
- Tight end - 2
- Offensive tackle - 2
- Defensive line - 2
- Center - 2
- Guard - 1
- Quarterback - 1
The Packers do not have room on the roster right now to add another highly-drafted receiver, and also do not need bodies at linebacker or safety. They still have a day 2 pick invested at running back in MarShawn Lloyd behind Josh Jacobs and just re-signed Chris Brooks.
None of the cornerbacks in that range are their type in terms of build, and the offensive tackles are not ideal fits either. A center they might draft would need to be able to play guard as well as they just re-signed Sean Rhyan. They do not draft college guards and won’t be taking a QB that early.
The two options on the defensive interior could make sense in Gracen Halton and Domonique Orange, but Green Bay’s spot in the 2nd round is not exactly a sweet spot for defensive tackles.
Then there’s EDGE. The Packers just jettisoned Rashan Gary and watched Kingsley Enagbare leave. Micah Parsons should return early in the season, but he is still coming back from a very serious knee injury.
If the season started tomorrow, Lukas Van Ness and Barryn Sorrell might be the starters. Van Ness made real strides in 2025, but he had his own injury issues. Sorrell was a strong run defender but ranked 123rd out of 124 eligible edge defenders in pass rush win rate as a rookie.
They do have Brenton Cox Jr. returning, but he missed almost the entire 2025 season. Collin Oliver is a situational pass rusher as an undersized player.
Gutekunst has generally preferred to have three pass rushers on the roster who are either highly paid veterans or early-round draft picks. After trading Gary, they are down to two.
There are three edge rushers specifically who fit what the Packers look for in terms of size: Gabe Jacas from Illinois, Derrick Moore from Michigan and Dani Dennis-Sutton from Penn State.
All three are physical players rather than finesse guys, which would replace Gary’s skillset well and along with Van Ness, complement Parsons’ more speed/skill style.
The reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks are a testament to having waves of pass rushers. They did not have a single player with more than 7 sacks, but were a fearsome pass rush collectively.
Investing in the position again makes sense for the Packers, especially as this strong EDGE class should mean talented players like the ones mentioned above could fall lower than they usually might.
Green Bay has often used their first pick for the best player available, then filled needs later on. They do not have a 1st rounder this year, but the approach could stay the same, taking a swing on upside early before finding cornerback and defensive tackle competition in rounds three and four.
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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres
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Comments (41)
stockholder
March 23, 2026 at 11:03 am
Investing brought you Love.
Need means filling, not exceeding.
Best player available- if you want elite players.
Game changer wr or not.
Is putting your coach into a position to succeed.
splitpea1
March 23, 2026 at 11:20 am
"Taking swings on upside" with their first pick at edge is what has landed us here again where we're still looking for more pash rush. It never ends. "Strides" and flashes aren't good enough for a high first-round pick entering his fourth season. The Packers are better off signing a stopgap veteran if they're in a win-now mode. The first two picks should be used on the best available prospects with the proper balance of potential and NFL-readiness in positions of need like DT, CB, Edge, and Center. Surprise us Gute, pass on the raw prospects, and give MLF no excuse not to play them as soon as possible.
golfpacker61
March 23, 2026 at 07:02 pm
If you need to draft a CB or a WR, no to the WR, then you rarely go wrong picking 1 from Ohio State. They consistently put very successful CBs and WRs in the NFL every year. I like a CB with the first pick, and I would choose David Igbinosun because he is pro ready day 1 to start for GB and has improved every year. He is not a 1 year wonder.
Duneslick
March 23, 2026 at 11:34 am
Come on. Van Ness has an injury history but Marshawn Lloyd is a good backup option.
golfpacker61
March 23, 2026 at 07:12 pm
I wanted Will McDonald or Brian Branch in the 1st round of the 2023 draft, even though I am an Iowa fan and like LVN. He was a 2nd round pick at best.
I was very happy when we picked Lloyd in the 2024 draft, there were so many good all around RBs in that draft. He has missed so much time that if he can't consistently stay on the field this year, I think he will be gone. Too bad, so much talent.
2024 was also the year we could have drafted the best LB in that draft Peyton Wilson, instead of another 2 year no-show, Tyron Hopper. The Steelers really like Wilson and he starts & plays alot.
Packerpasty
March 24, 2026 at 01:21 pm
"at best" is right...where he was picked is ridiculous...
GregC
March 24, 2026 at 01:29 pm
I just took a look at three consensus big boards for the 2023 draft. One of them had Van Ness at #16 overall, another had him at #15, and another had him at #6.
dobber
March 24, 2026 at 01:55 pm
Agreed. The consensus on him was that he was a first rounder with a high ceiling but not a real high floor who wasn't bendy and needed to develop rush moves.
I think that's proven to be the case.
Coldworld
March 23, 2026 at 11:50 am
It’s unlikely. I think it’s very likely that we take an edge, but not in round 2 if the consensus board is accurate. I think the most likely positions that we will take early are DT (proven run stopper with penetrative capability/potential) and CB.
I disagree with you on the limited number of viable DT options then likely to be available in round 2, or their potential to help now. Based on this class, how it’s expected to fall and our needs, DT and CB seem to have the best candidates to elevate us now and next year. In contrast, the best OLB value by our pick appears to be early day 3.
stockholder
March 23, 2026 at 02:09 pm
OF the DTs -
Who can play 3 downs?
Jumping too early is not good value.
Raji knew how to collapse the Pocket.
His combine numbers were excellent.
When they moved him outside.
He played to high.
golfpacker61
March 23, 2026 at 07:17 pm
Listened to a DT podcast the other day that included Mike Mayock, former Raider scouting genius. The commentators were talking about many of the 2026 DTs will fall into the late 2nd and 3rd rounds because of medical problems, including Caleb Banks, who I like, because of ongoing foot problems that caused him to miss the 2025 season. Then he broke that foot at the combine. I tuned in late so I didn't get to hear the other names.
stockholder
March 23, 2026 at 07:32 pm
Caleb Banks is perfect but is he worth the risk?
I remember TT not drafting Wrs with foot problems.
And took Devante Adams.
Dontay Corleone Nt had lung blood clots and a bad ankle.
If they don't take NT Darrel Jackson they shouldn't take one early.
golfpacker61
March 23, 2026 at 08:43 pm
Capehart-Clemson, Graves-Iowa, and Zxavian Harris-Ole Miss are intriguing late round DTs the Packers could take. I do like Chris McClellan-Missouri alot, he and Graves have pass rush potential.
stockholder
March 24, 2026 at 07:11 am
Chris McClellan-Missouri - Yes
but he's a 4 front. -Hustles- Plays high@NT
Pass rush potential is outside - Needs height/length
Capehart -Clemson is a good fit
but not at NT full time.
In fact I like him more than Woods
who is dropping.
Harris is still my pick.- 5th
Size is great . But some question
his ability to get lower pad level.
Great attitude, Too Emotional.?
Darrel Jackson. Is a NT
golfpacker61
March 24, 2026 at 10:51 am
Harris might be too tall and has some character issues. I think he is worth a chance because we can get him with a late pick. Arron Graves is kind of an overlooked "Sleeper" this year. No invite to the combine was a real punch in the gut for him.
Compare Graves stats at Iowa to anyone in this draft and its closer than he is getting credit for. Alot of tackles and quite a few sacks for a run stuffer at Iowa, which is the DTs main function at Iowa. Keep the LBs clean and anything else is gravy. He came to the Hawkeyes as a 4 star Edge rusher.
dobber
March 24, 2026 at 01:58 pm
There's difference of opinion on Harris, but I don't think he's going to make it to day 3.
PackerBackerAZ
March 23, 2026 at 12:34 pm
DT (proven run stopper with penetrative capability/potential)
Players proven to be run stoppers that can also penetrate will be long gone by pick 52. If anything, they're more rare than shut down corners. Of course, I'm talking players that can step up to the NFL and have immediate impact. Not the infamous draft and develop strategy typically in play for the Packers.
Coldworld
March 23, 2026 at 05:15 pm
We are unlikely to get a player who gets 10 sacks, but there are players who can get penetration and open gaps while maybe picking up a few themselves. We don’t need 3Ts. We need a strong anchor who is more than a pure clogger to pair with Wyatt or a Stackhouse type against run heavy teams or situations. In the second round there are a few of those likely to be around.
golfpacker61
March 23, 2026 at 07:19 pm
Just look @ last years draft when the Top 4 DTs were gone before our pick @ #22. I would have traded back from #22, grabbed 2 picks, and selected a CB in round 2.
Guam
March 23, 2026 at 12:41 pm
I know I am in the minority, but I just don't see the need to spend a second round draft choice on an Edge this year. The Packer have a need at Edge for about the first four weeks of the season. A rotation of LVN, Cox, Sorrell and Oliver is not great for the first month of the season, but a rotation of Parsons, LVN, Cox, Sorrell and Oliver for the rest of the season is pretty good. Do you spend a second round pick on a four week need?
The Packers have a hole at NT (UDFA Stackhouse is the only viable candidate currently on the roster), a weakness at CB, and depth issues on the OL. I just don't see Edge as that high a priority. I would much rather see that second round pick at CB or NT where there is a season long need.
GregC
March 23, 2026 at 01:18 pm
Yes, I keep seeing the need for a Parsons substitute as a reason for bringing in another edge player, and like you, I don't see the sense in doing something like that just to fill a short-term need. I think it is not out of the question, however, that they draft an edge with a high pick if they think they can get one who is really special. It's possible that their assessment of the edge players they have (aside from Parsons) is lower than is generally assumed. I don't think that's the case, but you never know. Edge is a premium position, and a really good player can make a big impact there.
Guam
March 23, 2026 at 01:32 pm
If the FO was that concerned about the remaining Edges, would they have let Enagbare go? I suspect Gute likes his current edges which is why they didn't try to re-sign Enagbare who is a decent player. Unless a really good Edge falls to them a #52, I would much prefer a CB or NT.
golfpacker61
March 23, 2026 at 07:26 pm
They let Enagbare go because he underperformed Guam. He would get only 2-3 sacks every year and be solid against the run. $10 million is insane for that kind of production. They can find FAs for less than 1/2 of that that are twice the player Enagbare is.
Look at what Epenesa got from the Browns, less than $5 million including performance bonus. He is an upgrade from Enagbare. Clowney could be the bargain of the year @ Edge if he signs for the projected price of $5 million annually. If that's the true price GB should jump on that and fill a big hole in the roster and free up the draft.
We could then double up at CB, which should be our #1 pick this year.
Guam
March 24, 2026 at 07:29 am
As a fifth round draft choice I wouldn't ever say Enagbare underperformed. He was a good run defender with a few sacks every year which is solid performance for a rotational player drafted on day three. Is he worth $10MM annually - no.
Are the Packers better off with Cox/Sorrell for the first month of the season or Clowney? Personally I would have been good with Epenesa. Clowney's age worries me. Edges tend to fade quickly as they lose their speed and Clowney is in that window.
dobber
March 24, 2026 at 09:08 am
Agreed. Enagbare was what you hope for from guys who are drafted on day 3.
Coldworld
March 24, 2026 at 10:25 am
Guam, Enagbare was a good pick but a toothless pass rusher. He was a good run player. Had LVN not proved to be similar (slightly better statistically in run and pass), keeping Enagbare as depth and a run specialist might have made sense, particularly in a 4:3 base. However, that’s a type one can only afford one of. We have had 2, and by mid season, 3 after Gary joined the no pass rusher threat club. No one wins like that and a pure run DE isn’t worth 10 million no matter his energy level.
golfpacker61
March 24, 2026 at 10:32 am
Clowney would be a short term bridge that actually upgrades our defense, just like Calais Campbell would be. Those 2 players would make us better not worse, and they both played great last year, no drop off. And they are cheap. And they are leaders. And veterans who can teach their craft. In other words get it done, sign them.
TKWorldWide
March 23, 2026 at 01:10 pm
Last year, “generational talent” Abdul Carter, picked third overall, finished the season with four sacks. FOUR.
Whoo!!!!!
Coldworld
March 23, 2026 at 01:37 pm
He’d have been tied for 3rd on our DL (with Wyatt). Our 3rd highest was Quay with 2.5! Enagbare had 2, LVN 1.5. Sorrell also had 1.5 on a lot less snaps. Cox had one despite hardly playing. Only Cox and Sorrell credibly threaten to beat Carter given reasonable snap numbers. While that actually might make us better by getting more time from them and adding Oliver, it does illustrate how bad we were outside Parsons after Gary fell off a cliff.
golfpacker61
March 23, 2026 at 06:41 pm
What a perfect storm bad end to the season for GB, real bizarro world. We lose our best Edge rusher(Parsons,) our other "best" Edge (Gary) goes on vacation. 3 others are hurt most of the season, LVN & Cox & Oliver. And our co #3 pass rusher, Enagbare, had his normal 2 sack season.(And gets a $10 million contract for doing nothing different than he has done every year in GB.) No we didn't need him again.
Couple that with below average CBs who then looked much worse with no pass rush, and we have a problem Houston. What do we fix, with limited $$$ and no first round pick?
We have to fix/shore up something to get better on defense. What position group can we draft with our "early" picks, #52, #84, & #120 that will play, contribute, & make the biggest difference? CB, DT, or Edge. I am going to say CB or Edge. And I would vote CB because we could even trade back and pick one of those guys while gaining an extra pick or 2.
There are multiple pro ready CBs who will be available @ #52 or even if we move back 10-20 spots. I like David Igbinosun-Ohio State because he has already played at the highest level, Ohio State, and regularly competed to start against 4-10 other 4 & 5 star CBs on his team. Also he has played against the best competition outside the SEC, the Big 10. He started early for the Buckeyes and has improved every year, and he is a perfect size/speed combo for CB. But Chris Johnson, Julian Neal, Will Lee, Malik Muhammed, and Tacario Davis could all push the starters in GB for playing time. To me the CB group has the best chance to improve our defense right away.
Edge rushers who could contribute right away, who will probably be available when we pick are Dan Dennis-Sutton, Gabe Jacas, & Derrick Moore. I also like Moore's fellow Edge @ Michigan Jaishawn Barham. I think any of the 4 could "potentially", I hate that word, start over what we have now. That's almost more a statement about how underwhelming our backups have been. Of those 4 I think Dani Dennis Sutton could start year 1 in GB. He also has gotten consistently better every year at Penn State, and coaches have said he has the ability to take over games.
Or should we just buy 2 FA players to fill the immediate needs @ Edge & NT? And be done short term, which solves the immediate, 2026 problem. Signing Calais Campbell for $6-7 million and signing Jadavion Clowney for $5 million would make almost everyone affiliated with GB feeling pretty good to start the 2026 season. I sure would, and think of the benefits for our younger players to be taught by 2 great players.
I would vote for signing the 2 FAs above, Campbell and Clowney, and then sign another cheap, veteran CB after the draft, maybe even Rasul Douglas for $3 million if he is available. We could draft 2 CBs, I like Igbinosun and Daylin Everett. And In the draft get a TE and several OL including a center. At center I like Trey Zuhn because he was All-SEC playing LT, OG, and Center last year.
These FA "purchases and this kind of draft sets us up to be as strong as possible in 2026. The 2027 draft is where we make hay with 7 premium picks in rounds 2 thru 4, and 2027 is projected to be a very strong draft.
Houndog
March 24, 2026 at 08:48 am
Golf,
Why is it that so many people think Rasul Douglas could become available, and cheap?
He's coming off one of his best seasons, thinking $3M is a pipe dream, the Dolphins are seriously cash/cap strapped, and Sullivan was in GB to see Gutey's mistake of trading him in the first place.
He was a great 'Team Guy' in GB, the kind of veteran the Dolphins will need in a rebuild, I'm thinking he's a Dolphin in '26.
dobber
March 24, 2026 at 09:24 am
I think he'll linger on the market past the draft and be a vet someone signs for one year in June.
golfpacker61
March 24, 2026 at 10:39 am
I liked Rasul alot. He would be a great, cheap, bridge CB for us if the price was right. Douglas is still sitting, and the longer he does the cheaper he gets. Projected salary for him has been $4-5 million annually. Offer $3 million plus in game incentives and roll the dice.
Packman60
March 24, 2026 at 01:12 pm
Signing these players will cost the Packers two compensatory draft picks in the 2027 draft. Not sure I would pay that price for two 1 year rentals. If you are able to sign players cut by their teams it doesn't count against them
Houndog
March 24, 2026 at 08:36 am
Mark,
"the approach could stay the same, taking a swing on upside early"?
Oh, do you mean kinda' like they did with Gary and VanNess, yeah, that worked out great.
dobber
March 24, 2026 at 09:21 am
The only positions I don't consider drafting at 52 are S, QB, or RB...and maybe TE. Anything else could be on the table if the right player is there. Especially a game-changing position like edge rusher, where Cox, Mosby, and potentially LVN are all on expiring contracts. I'm predicting the Packers either pick up LVN's 5th year option, or try to extend him through '27 in camp.
...OK, no to P, PK, or LS.
Coldworld
March 24, 2026 at 10:28 am
I think LVN is gone after this year absent a stunning transformation. He is not worth the option price based upon output: it’s not even close.
dobber
March 24, 2026 at 11:04 am
Given they make the decision on LVN right after the draft, I think you're right in that they'll likely pass on the 5th year option. It's starting to feel like they may have pushed themselves into a corner. If they do pass, though, I expect they'll try to get an extra year out of him on an extension (but not a second 4-year contract). With his injury history, it might be something LVN goes for.
Coldworld
March 24, 2026 at 12:13 pm
That seems more likely than the option. However, if others step up (Cox, Sorrell) and he doesn’t, then I can see us just drafting behind them and Oliver next year, especially if we do draft an OLB this year who contributes.
It will be interesting to see if a return to a 4:3 stand up role helps LVN. Most saw him as better suited to an uneven front and DE than OLB, but he did get 4 sacks in his rookie year under Barry. That’s his best haul to date. Perhaps that’s his last best hope of being more than a rotational player? It would be fabulous if that does prove the case, but I’m not betting on it.
golfpacker61
March 24, 2026 at 10:44 am
I don't know if he is gone, but definitely no 5th year extension @ $15 million. I have said for 2 years that LVN might not be a great Edge rusher, it is what it is. He has the tools of size & speed, but I think his future is to add 15 lbs and move inside where he could be a devastating pass rushing DT that would terrorize OGs & OCs. He could still be a very useful player for GB, but was a 2nd rounder, maybe a 3rd even when we drafted him. He was all potential with good not great stats in college.
Packerpasty
March 24, 2026 at 01:24 pm
I can never envision LVN as devastating or someone who can terrorize an offense...sorry..