The Green Bay Packers are once again betting on internal growth to reach their potential in 2026. While every team relies on player development, the Packers are leaning heavily on it after their blockbuster trade for Micah Parsons—a move that cost two first-round picks and a massive contract. That big swing essentially took them out of the market for any other major additions, leaving the front office to focus on roster tweaks rather than overhauls.

Now, the spotlight turns to their most high-profile young players: recent first-round picks Devonte Wyatt, Lukas Van Ness, Jordan Morgan, and Matthew Golden. Each is poised for a bigger role this season, and the Packers need them to deliver. Wyatt and Van Ness must anchor the defensive front under new coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Meanwhile, Morgan needs to protect quarterback Jordan Love, and Golden must provide the explosive production the offense craves.

It’s an obvious formula—but sometimes the obvious is important because it’s true. In an era defined by one all-in move, the Packers’ success hinges on these four stepping up. There’s even a fun irony: the team needs more from its first-round picks in a year when it didn’t make any. If that internal improvement doesn’t come, the 2026 season could look very different than the front office hopes.