The Packers' defense is stacked with talent, no question about it. With All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, dynamic safety Xavier McKinney, and rising linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, there’s no shortage of playmakers in Green Bay. And with new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon stepping in, there’s a real opportunity to shape this unit into something special.
But here’s the thing: talent alone doesn’t win in January. The Packers found that out the hard way.
After Parsons went down with a torn ACL late in the season, the cracks in the foundation became impossible to ignore. The defense-so disruptive and aggressive early on-sputtered when it mattered most, culminating in a tough playoff collapse against the Bears. Without Parsons wreaking havoc off the edge, and with Devonte Wyatt also sidelined, the defensive front simply couldn’t hold up.
That’s why it wouldn’t be surprising to see GM Brian Gutekunst make the defensive line a top priority this offseason. The interior, in particular, needs help-and fast.
When Wyatt went down, the middle of the Packers’ defense became a soft spot that opposing offenses exploited with ease. The pressure that Parsons generated on the outside wasn’t being matched inside, even when he was healthy.
And when he wasn’t? The drop-off was steep.
Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks had flashes, but neither showed the consistency needed to anchor the interior as every-down players.
And now with Gannon taking over-a coordinator known for leaning on his front four rather than dialing up heavy blitz packages-there’s even more urgency to get things right up front. Gannon’s system thrives when the interior line can generate pressure on its own. That wasn’t happening in 2025, and it has to change if this defense wants to take the next step.
So what’s the move? The Packers don’t hold a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but Day 2 could be where they make a push for help on the interior.
Don’t rule out a splash in free agency either. Whether it’s a run-stuffer, a gap-penetrator, or ideally both, Green Bay needs more size, more power, and more reliability inside.
This isn’t just about plugging a hole-it’s about giving Gannon the personnel he needs to execute his vision. It’s about making sure that when injuries strike-and they will-the defense doesn’t collapse under the weight of missing stars.
The Packers have the playmakers. Now it’s time to build the foundation that lets them shine.
If the front office gets this right, Green Bay’s defense could go from good to dominant. And after the way last season ended, that’s a leap worth investing in.