Packers’ Cornerback Future: Navigating the Draft and Beyond
The Green Bay Packers are almost certain to address the cornerback position in the 2026 NFL Draft. This need isn’t just about immediate replacements for current players like Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, or Nate Hobbs; it’s as well about proactively addressing expiring contracts – Nixon, Valentine, and Kamal Hadden all enter the final year of their deals in Green Bay in 2026, with Bo Melton as an exclusive rights free agent and Hobbs potentially a cap casualty in the near future. Simply put, the Packers need depth at the position.
Understanding the Packers’ Draft Philosophy
NFL teams typically narrow their draft focus to a manageable size. Rather than exhaustively evaluating every prospect, teams often concentrate on roughly 100 to 150 players on their “big board.” This isn’t a limitation, but a strategic approach to efficiently navigate the draft process and identify optimal trade-up or trade-back opportunities. The Dallas Cowboys, for example, have previously released their big board, revealing they only had 16 players graded as first-round talents in a particular year.
Cornerbacks Likely Off the Board for Green Bay
Several cornerbacks are projected to be unavailable when the Packers make their first selection at pick #52, having traded away their next two first-round picks. These include Mansoor Delane (LSU), Jermod McCoy (Tennessee), Avieon Terrell (Clemson), Brandon Cisse (South Carolina), and Colton Hood (Tennessee). Generally, players ranked within the top 40 on the consensus draft board rarely fall past this point, unless they have significant medical or character concerns – something the Packers have historically avoided.
Size Matters: Cornerbacks Too Slight for the Packers’ System
The Packers have demonstrated a consistent preference for cornerbacks of a certain size. For the past two decades, they haven’t drafted a cornerback shorter than 5’10” or weighing less than 194 pounds within the top 150 picks. Players who don’t meet these criteria, such as Keith Abney II (Arizona State), D’angelo Ponds (Indiana), Malik Muhammad (Texas), Chandler Rivers (Duke), and Hezekiah Masses (California), are less likely to be targets.
Scheme Fit: Prioritizing Outside Cornerbacks
The Packers also tend to avoid cornerbacks who have primarily played as slot defenders in college. Players like Keionte Scott (Miami), Treydan Stukes (Arizona), and Jalon Kilgore (South Carolina) fit this profile. Green Bay already has players filling the slot position, and their draft focus is likely on finding cornerbacks capable of playing on the outside.
Top Cornerback Prospects for the Packers
Considering these factors, a shorter list of prospects emerges as potential targets for the Packers. Here’s a ranking of eight players:
Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State (#72 on the consensus board)
Igbinosun is an aggressive and athletic cornerback with experience in man coverage. He’s shown improvement in reducing penalties, a key factor for the Packers.
Grade: 2nd round for the Packers.
Will Lee III, Texas A&M (#104)
Lee excels in zone coverage and fits well within the Packers’ defensive system. He’s expected to perform well at the NFL Combine.
Chris Johnson, San Diego State (#47)
Johnson is versatile but lacks a standout strength. Scouts are awaiting his combine results to assess his athleticism.
Devin Moore, Florida (#93)
Moore’s playing style is reminiscent of Rasul Douglas. Whereas a strong fit, other teams might value him more due to their defensive schemes.
Grade: 2nd-3rd round, higher for a team that plays more spot-drop zone
Domani Jackson, Alabama (#168)
Jackson is a strong scheme fit for the Packers’ quarters system. His performance at the combine and pro day will be crucial in determining his draft stock.
Julian Neal, Arkansas (#87)
Neal excels in ball skills, with a background as a receiver and basketball player. He’s best suited for off-coverage schemes.
Grade: 3rd-4th round, higher for a team that plays more spot-drop zone
Daylen Everette, Georgia (#127)
Everette is versatile but may not be a perfect fit for the Packers’ defensive scheme.
Tacario Davis, Arizona (#128)
Davis is a relatively young player who hasn’t shown significant improvement in recent seasons. He’s a spot drop zone corner who might not have the legs to play in Gannon’s system.
Grade: 4th-5th round, higher for a team that plays more spot-drop zone
Preserve an Eye On…
Other cornerbacks to watch include Thaddeus Dixon (North Carolina), Devon Marshall (North Carolina State), and Jadon Canady (Oregon).
FAQ
Q: Does the Packers’ preference for size mean they’ll never draft a smaller cornerback?
A: While unlikely, it’s not impossible. Still, the Packers have consistently prioritized size at the cornerback position for the past two decades.
Q: What is a “big board” in the NFL Draft?
A: A big board is a ranked list of prospects that teams use to guide their draft decisions. It typically includes 100-150 players.
Q: Why do teams limit the size of their draft boards?
A: Limiting the board helps teams focus their evaluations and navigate the draft more efficiently.
Q: What is a “scheme fit”?
A: A scheme fit refers to how well a player’s skills and attributes align with the defensive or offensive system of a particular team.
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