Brennen Rupp, Packers WireSat, February 7, 2026 at 2:19 AM UTC·4 min readThe Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL draft.
With Micah Parsons in the fold, the Green Bay Packers have one of the most impactful pass rushers in the NFL. Now it’s up to Brian Gutekunst to add reinforcements to that group.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRashan Gary didn't register a sack during the final two months of the season and almost certainly will be a cap casualty this offseason. There is hope that Lukas Van Ness can build off his strong finish to the season and become a force off the edge playing opposite Parsons. The former first-round pick recorded one sack, 10 pressures and seven run stops during the final three games of the season. A breakout during his fourth year in the league could be in store for the former Iowa Hawkeye.
Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver, a pair of 2025 Day 3 draft picks, figure to see an uptick in snaps during their second seasons.
A player that Gutekunst could target on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft is Nadame Tucker. The Western Michigan edge rusher checks in at No. 77 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A native of New York, Tucker didn’t start playing football until his senior year of high school. He started his collegiate career at the JUCO level before transferring to Houston.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDuring his lone season with the Broncos, Tucker was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Year and was the college football leader in sacks (14.5) and tackles for loss (21). He built off that strong season by having a strong showing in Mobile during Senior Bowl Week.
“My one season at Western Michigan meant a lot for the growth of my game,” Tucker said. “Part of me having such a great season was being allowed to play freely and get more comfortable out there on the field, especially playing under a great defensive coordinator like Chris O’Leary. The more the coaching staff trusted me, the more I was able to get into a flow and show my abilities that I always had and been working on for a very long time.”
At 6-1, 246 pounds, Tucker may be too light for Green Bay’s liking. However, after taking Oliver, who is similarly built to Tucker on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft, Tucker could be on their board as they look to add some juice to the pass rush.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTucker has an explosive first step and there is no slowing down. Each step after the initial get off seems to get faster. That explosiveness disrupts protections. He seems to scream off the edge. He also has good lower-body flexibility, and his arc acceleration is impressive. He flashes the ability to convert speed to power. To go along with his 14.5 sacks, Tucker recorded 61 pressures.
“I would say just having a good get off and taking what the offensive lineman is giving me,” Tucker said. “I love bringing the fight to them.”
Tucker is an intense competitor and while he may be ‘undersized,’ he works hard to set a firm edge. The Houston transfer has the pursuit speed to make plays as a backside defender. He's relentless in his pursuit. Tucker made a living making splash plays against the run with 21 tackles for loss and 37 run stops this past season.
“I love stopping the run game,” Tucker said. “That’s what true football is all about., I live for the gritty stuff. Stopping the run gets me going."
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFit with the Packers
Tucker may never be a full-time starter at the next level. However, with his pass-rushing juice and his energetic play style, Tucker has the makings of an exciting rotational edge rusher with the ability to disrupt the quarterback and make splash plays.
The Packers have a need for a player with Tucker’s skill set. Adding him to the pass-rushing stable on Day 3 of the draft would be a slam-dunk pick.
“I have a great work ethic, attitude, and I’m committed to being a great player and teammate,” Tucker said. “I would also be able to add tools to my game to continue to play fast, violent, and with a high motor. Ultimatel,y I play with passion, I treat the game with respect, and I know the ceiling is very high for me because I started playing football my senior year of high school, and I’m still learning and willing to work hard to get better and help my team win.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTucker may be just starting to scratch the surface of his potential. Tucker has legit juice off the edge and he won't be a liability against the run when he's on the field.
The Packers need more players who can escalate passing plays. Tucker has the ability to do that. A year after drafting Oliver, an undersized hybrid player, the Packers could once again add an 'undersized' edge rusher on Day 3 of the draft.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Unpacking Future Packers: No. 77, Western Michigan DE Nadame Tucker
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