3 under-the-radar draft prospects who fit the Packers perfectly and match how roster is built heading into 2026 draft
Packers don’t have a first-round pick in 2026, so getting impactful players later in the process is key to building a sustainably strong roster.
Over the past few years, the Green Bay Packers have been one of the teams with the best track record adding real value in the mid and late rounds of the NFL Draft. Tucker Kraft, Zach Tom, Evan Williams, Karl Brooks, and several others are recent examples of how general manager Brian Gutekunst is able to add value after the first two rounds.
This ability will be particularly important over the next two drafts, since the Packers don’t have first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 after trading for Micah Parsons. So, let’s analyze three under-the-radar prospects who could fit what the Packers are looking for.
Brian Parker II, OL, Duke
Parker is a very Packers-y prospect. With a 9.76 Relative Athletic Score, he is expected to move to center in the NFL, but played at tackle on both sides of the line throughout his college career — mostly at right tackle, including 830 snaps in 2025. This past season at Duke, he allowed 19 pressures, with an 88.2 PFF grade. As a prospect, he is similar to Zach Tom — not necessarily the strongest player, but intelligent and competitive. His run-blocking is eye-catching.
A to Z Sports draft simulator analysis: Hard-nosed blocker with elite anchor strength in pass protection and excellent punch power. 6’5″, 309-pound frame limits play strength and run-blocking ceiling. Competitive toughness but below-average athleticism.
Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin
You won’t find many Stephen F. Austin players so early in the draft, but Demmings was a top-30 visit with the Packers for a reason. Mostly viewed as a fifth-round prospect, he excels in coverage — converting to NFL standards, he allowed a 39.8 passer rating when targeted in 2025, playing mostly as a boundary corner. His ability to help in run defense isn’t outstanding, but probably good enough. Last year, he had four interceptions and six pass breakups.
A to Z Sports draft simulator analysis: 6’3, 185-pound corner with elite athleticism, excellent length, and press capability. Program-record 35 pass breakups with nine interceptions. High-variance prospect with upside, but limited tape against top competition.
Dae’Quan Wright, TE, Ole Miss
Tight ends usually take more time to develop in the NFL, so don’t expect immediate production out of a fifth/sixth-round prospect. But Wright has the athletic ability and pass-catching talent to eventually develop into a real NFL player. Last season, he had 34 catches for 553 yards for Ole Miss. This is imperative in Matt LaFleur’s offense: Wright is a willing blocker, even though the jump to the NFL in this area is particularly steep.