Draft presents strong cost-benefit opportunities for the Packers to add depth at a premium defensive position

It’s a strong class in terms of depth.

Wendell Ferreira — NFL News Writer
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Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Tech defensive lineman Romello Height (DL40) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Green Bay Packers traded away Rashan Gary and lost Kingsley Enagbare in free agency. Especially with Micah Parsons expected to miss the first few weeks of the regular season recovering from his ACL injury, the roster is at a position where the front office may be forced to address the edge defender room at some point.

Brian Gutekunst has already mentioned his desire to solve problems with a long-term approach, and that’s why the Packers didn’t sign any expensive free agent at the position. However, the draft may be once again the spot to find good value.

Last year, the Packers selected Barryn Sorrell in the fourth and Collin Oliver in the fifth round. They both are slated to become a valuable part of the rotation, but the 2026 class has excellent value in the later rounds — something especially intriguing because the Packers don’t have a first-round pick.

So, let’s discuss the three best values the Packers can get at edge in this year’s draft.

Gabe Jacas, Illinois

  • Consensus board: 10th edge (54th overall)

We’ve already taken Jacas in a recent mock. He had 11 sacks and 41 pressures during his final season at Illinois, beyond being a viable run defender. He plays with impressive initial burst and power, and also brings positional versatility to align on the interior of the defensive line on passing plays. He seemed lighter at the Senior Bowl week and flashed, showing his explosiveness to beat opposing offensive linemen.

Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State

  • Consensus board: 12th edge (67th overall)

Dennis-Sutton was mostly perceived as a future first-round pick a year ago, but Penn State’s disappointing season affected the individual perception around him. But his production was there anyway, with 8.5 sacks and 45 pressures. He’s also a solid run defender, which helps after the Packers lost Gary and Enagbare. He is an athletic freak, as he showed at the Combine — 4.63 40-yard dash, a 39.5″ vertical, and a 10’11” broad jump, which is at the top of the class.

Romello Height, Texas Tech

  • Consensus board: 13th edge (82nd overall)

Height is already 24, which affects his ceiling and the narrative about his profile ahead of the draft. But he’s been very effective, playing three consecutive solid seasons at USC, Georgia Tech, and Texas Tech. Getting a player who generated 10 sacks and 56 pressures in 2025 in the third round would be a great addition, even if he doesn’t become a high-end starter down the road.

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