The Green Bay Packers are heading into a pivotal offseason with a clear target in mind: cornerback. After a 2025 campaign that exposed some serious vulnerabilities in the secondary, especially on the outside, Green Bay looks primed to address that weakness early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Let’s start with what they do have. The Packers aren’t short on talent on defense.
Up front, Micah Parsons continues to be a game-wrecker, and Devonte Wyatt has quietly developed into a reliable presence on the line. At linebacker, Edgerrin Cooper is turning heads as a rising star, and the team could look to bring back Quay Walker, who led the team in tackles last season and contributed across the board with 2.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, and eight passes defended.
The safety room is in good hands. Xavier McKinney earned All-Pro honors, and Evan Williams is trending in that direction. Javon Bullard, a former second-round pick out of Georgia, brings a physical edge as one of the hardest hitters on the team.
But here’s the thing - for all that talent, the cornerback spot remains a glaring hole.
Keisean Nixon entered the year as the team’s top corner, but it’s been a rocky ride. He’s got confidence and flashes ability, but consistency has been an issue.
And when the play is over, his discipline can waver - something that’s been noted more than once by those around the team. Carrington Valentine, a seventh-round pick, has shown glimpses of playmaking potential, but he’s still raw and prone to getting beat.
Nate Hobbs was expected to solidify the slot, but injuries derailed his season, and his limited time on the field didn’t inspire much confidence.
It’s no surprise, then, that many around the league expect the Packers to target a cornerback with their second-round pick - No. 52 overall - in the upcoming draft. They don’t have a first-rounder this year after sending two to acquire Parsons last offseason, so that second-rounder is as valuable as it gets.
Several names have been floated as potential fits. Ohio State’s Davison Igbinosun is one of the more popular projections.
He’s long, physical, and has the kind of upside that could develop into a true CB1 - something the Packers desperately need. South Carolina’s Brandon Cisse has also been linked to Green Bay, as has Texas standout Malik Muhammad.
There’s no consensus yet, and it’s worth noting that the Packers also have needs along both lines. But if the draft board breaks right and one of these top corners is still available at 52, it would be hard to imagine Green Bay passing on the chance to shore up what has become their most pressing defensive concern.
The bottom line? The Packers have built a defense with stars at multiple levels, but if they want to take the next step - especially in a conference loaded with elite receivers - they’ll need a corner who can hold his own on the outside. Don’t be surprised if that journey starts early on draft weekend.