The Green Bay Packers head into the 2026 NFL Draft with a familiar challenge: turning promise into postseason success. Despite three consecutive playoff berths in the Jordan Love era, the team has yet to advance past the divisional round. With only eight picks and no first-rounder due to the Micah Parsons trade, finding value on Days 2 and 3 is paramount. Could addressing a sneaky need at running back be a key to finally breaking through in the NFC?

On the surface, the backfield seems stable. Josh Jacobs remains a premier bell-cow back, capable of handling a heavy workload on all three downs. The reliable Chris Brooks returns as a versatile backup and special teams contributor. The uncertainty lies in the depth chart behind them. With Emanuel Wilson departing in free agency, the third spot—and potentially the future RB2 role—is wide open.

MarShawn Lloyd possesses exciting talent, but his first two seasons have been derailed by injuries, making him an unreliable projection. The other options, AJ Dillon and Emmanuel Wilson, spent most of 2025 on the practice squad. This creates a clear pathway for a rookie to carve out a meaningful role immediately, especially considering Jacobs's long-term outlook.

Looking beyond 2026, the need becomes more pronounced. Jacobs will be 28 when the season starts, carries over 2,000 career touches, and has a cap number exceeding $16 million in the final year of his deal in 2027. With Lloyd's injury history clouding his future, the Packers may lack a clear succession plan. While it might not be the most glaring need today, strategic drafting at running back could prevent a major roster shakeup as soon as next offseason, ensuring the offensive engine keeps humming for years to come.