Packers linked to 'anchor' along defensive line 1 Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter runs to the sideline after making a tackle against BYU during the Big 12 Conference championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. © Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Packers linked to ‘anchor’ along defensive line

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Apr 2, 2026 2:43 PM ET

The Packers have some holes to plug in new coordinator Jonathan Gannon’s defense.

There’s always room to upgrade in the secondary, an edge rusher to complement Micah Parsons would be a welcome addition, but after trading Colby Wooden to the Indianapolis Colts, in exchange for All-Pro linebacker Zaire Franklin, a dominant defensive tackle may be one of the biggest remaining holes for general manager Brian Gutekunst to address.

Could Packers take a defensive tackle with first NFL Draft pick?

Gutekunst and the Packers aren’t slated to go on the clock until the No. 52 overall pick in the NFL Draft later this month, but there could be a dominant defensive tackle to be had, who could step in and start immediately or at least play a prominent role in a rotation for Gannon.

Over at ESPN, top NFL Draft analysts Mel Kiper, Field Yates, Matt Miller, and Jordan Reid put together a joint mock draft, with the Packers emerging from the second round with Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter in tow.

“Green Bay will have some 3-4 elements under new coordinator Jonathan Gannon,” Yates writes for ESPN. “Hunter has the right skill set to anchor a run defense.”

Hunter, 6-foot-4 and 325 pounds, is a space eater along the line of scrimmage, and his dominance against the run speaks for itself.

Last season, the former Texas Tech standout produced 2.5 sacks, underscoring his ability to provide some interior pass rush, while also adding 41 total tackles and one forced fumble .

As the Packers look to reinforce the defense in Gannon’s image, Hunter could be a solid addition to elevate a revamped front seven.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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