The 2026 NFL season is shaping up to be a defining year for the Green Bay Packers, and while the team didn't have a first-round pick this year, all eyes will be on their three most recent first-round selections. These young stars are poised to step into the spotlight and prove why the Packers invested so heavily in them.

After a heartbreaking end to the 2025 campaign, the Packers are looking to reload and push deeper into contention. Health will be a major storyline, but the real buzz centers around Lukas Van Ness (2023), Jordan Morgan (2024), and Matthew Golden (2025). The front office has deliberately cleared the path for these three to take on critical roles, creating a high-stakes season for the team's future.

Let's start with Van Ness. With veteran Rashan Gary now in Dallas and Micah Parsons expected to miss time early in the season, the pressure is on for Van Ness to become a consistent force off the edge. New defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon will lean on him heavily. After showing flashes of a breakout in 2025 before a foot injury sidelined him, staying healthy is priority number one. His fifth-year option was picked up for a reason—now it's time for the payoff.

Over on the offensive line, Jordan Morgan is finally getting his shot. After bouncing between positions in his first two seasons, he'll settle in as the starting left tackle. He looked ready for the role last summer and played some of his best football at tackle late in 2025. With Rasheed Walker gone in free agency, Morgan has a golden opportunity to upgrade a line that struggled last year. His performance will be key to a bounce-back season for the entire offense.

Add in rookie Matthew Golden, and the Packers have a trio of first-round talents ready to make their mark. For a team built on drafting and developing, 2026 is the year these investments need to pay off. Get ready, Packers fans—the future is now.