The Green Bay Packers are facing significant uncertainty with their interior defensive line. Kenny Clark recorded just one sack last season, will turn 30 in October, and carries a $31 million cap hit in 2026. Without a rebound year, he could become a cap casualty next season.
Devonte Wyatt is entering the final year of his rookie deal, having recorded only 10 sacks in his first three seasons and showing little progress toward becoming a dominant force. While Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden have provided solid rotational depth, neither has emerged as a reliable, long-term starter on the defensive line.
With Green Bay’s starting interior defensive linemen potentially off the roster in 2026, Athlon Sports presents its Packers Mock Draft 2.0, prioritizing reinforcements along the defensive line in a four-round mock.
Mock Draft Monday!
Morrison’s hip injury is something to watch, but his tape shows he can ball. Took a swerve with Batty in the 4th; it’s a reach for a 25-year-old rookie who never had more than 5.5 sacks, but he’s got a high motor and could carve out a role in the rotation. pic.twitter.com/NsEOtlwYiF
— Felipe Reis Aceti (@Aceti_Felipe) April 14, 2025
Pick 23 – Round 1: Kenneth Grant, Defensive Tackle, Michigan
Kenneth Grant appeared in all 14 games as a reserve in 2022, finishing the season with eight tackles. As a sophomore in 2023, he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors after posting 29 tackles, five tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception, and six pass breakups over 15 games, including five starts. In 2024, he was named a third-team Associated Press All-American and repeated as a second-team All-Big Ten selection, starting 12 games and finishing with 32 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and five pass breakups.
Grant recorded 27 pressures and three sacks last season while earning an elite 87.5 run defense grade. He weighed 331 pounds at the NFL Combine and fits the physical and athletic profile that General Manager Brian Gutekunst values in defensive linemen.
Pick 54 – Round 2: Benjamin Morrison, Cornerback, Notre Dame
Morrison put together an outstanding college résumé. He allowed just a 45% completion rate, recorded nine interceptions and 12 pass breakups, and held opposing quarterbacks to a 44.1 passer rating. He would be expected to compete with Keisean Nixon for the CB2 role and has the talent to start immediately.
Pick 87 – Round 3: Jalen Royals, Wide Receiver, Utah State
Royals is a speedy, explosive playmaker with the ball in his hands. Additionally, he brings added value as a kick returner. Royals posted a 9.81 Relative Athletic Score at the combine and reportedly met with Green Bay at the Senior Bowl. With his burst, versatility, and special teams experience, Royals fits the mold of a wide receiver the Packers often target.
Pick 124 – Round 4: Tyler Batty, Edge Rusher, BYU
Batty is the gamble of this mock draft. He will be 25 years old at the start of his rookie season and has never recorded more than 5.5 sacks in a single college season. He has a solid stance when engaging blockers and does a good job of converting speed into power. With the Packers finishing 26th in pass rush win rate last year, they need all the help they can get upfront, and Batty has the potential to add depth and versatility to their pass rush rotation.
