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Packers Draft Targets: Cornerbacks to Watch

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By JJ Mei | Last updated Mar 14, 2026 9:00 AM ET

The Green Bay Packers are expected to prioritize and target a cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft. After an inconsistent 2025 season in pass coverage, the need for improved perimeter reliability is clear. Communication breakdowns, inconsistent man coverage, and turnover production exposed a unit that lacked both depth and stability. This draft class offers several intriguing Day 2 and Day 3 options. Here are five cornerbacks who could realistically fit Green Bay’s secondary needs.

Chris Johnson — San Diego State

Johnson profiles as one of the cleanest cornerback prospects outside the Power Five. At 6-foot and 195 pounds, he brings NFL-ready size for boundary work. He recorded four interceptions in 2025, including two returned for touchdowns. His fluid hips and lateral quickness allow him to stay in phase against vertical routes. Johnson processes route concepts quickly in zone coverage and shows strong ball skills at the catch point. He competes in run support and rarely takes poor angles. While scouts will monitor his testing numbers, his tape suggests starter potential. He projects comfortably in Round 2.

D’Angelo Ponds — Indiana

Ponds lacks ideal height at 5-foot-8, but his competitiveness stands out immediately. He plays bigger than his frame and thrives in contested situations. He shows sharp instincts in zone coverage and anticipates throws effectively. His ability to trigger downhill against screens and underneath routes adds value in nickel alignments. Ponds also competes physically at the line despite his frame. Size limitations may limit him as a full-time outside defender. However, he profiles as a strong slot option with Day 2 value.

Malik Muhammad — Texas

Muhammad offers positional flexibility and technique. At 6-foot and 190 pounds, he fits the physical profile Green Bay has favored. He displays smooth transitions and solid man-coverage footwork. His competitiveness and length allow him to disrupt timing early in routes. In zone, he reads combinations well and maintains discipline. He can be beaten on double moves and will have to refine his tackling form. Still, he projects as a reliable rotational piece with starter upside. LWOS NFL 2026 Draft Big Board

Ephesians Prysock — Washington

Prysock stands out for his rare size at over 6-foot-3. His length creates immediate disruption at the line of scrimmage. He moves better than expected for his frame and shows encouraging zone awareness. He competes against the run and has taken snaps in safety packages. His upside lies in perimeter press alignments. The long speed questions remain, making testing important. He profiles as a developmental Day 3 option with traits worth betting on.

Treydan Stukes — Arizona

Stukes fits the modern nickel hybrid role. At 6-foot-2 and nearly 200 pounds, he combines size with downhill explosiveness. He reads quarterbacks well in zone coverage and attacks throwing lanes aggressively. His physicality allows him to disrupt receivers early in routes. While he lacks elite recovery speed, he offers flexibility that extends from the inside out. He projects as a rotational contributor with potential to grow into a starting role.

Draft Outlook

Ultimately, Green Bay’s approach to cornerback in the 2026 draft will likely center on versatility and competition. Whether it’s adding length, quickness, or developmental depth behind starters, the Packers have several directions they can go depending on how the board falls for them. For a secondary that struggled with consistency last season, even one or two well-placed additions could reshape the room. The Packers don’t necessarily need a single instant star; they need competition, depth, and players capable of growing into reliable roles.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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