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Unpacking Future Packers: No. 78, Wisconsin OT Riley Mahlman

Unpacking the Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of the 100 prospects the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Green Bay Packers’ starting left tackle next season is Jordan Morgan. The former first-round pick is viewed as Jordan Love’s blind protector for the upcoming season and for the foreseeable future.

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The Packers have one of the best right tackles in the league in Zach Tom. With those two, the Packers are good at offensive tackle.

Something they need to address this offseason is adding a swing tackle. One potential target late on the third day of the 2026 NFL Draft is Riley Mahlman. The Wisconsin Badgers offensive tackle ranks No. 78 on the Future Packers Countdown.

Mahlman, a four-star recruit born in Lakeville, Minnesota, started 31 games at right tackle before the 2025 season. In his final season as a Badger, Mallman started at right tackle in the season opener and the final 11 games at left tackle.

“One of the most important developments in Mallman’s final year is his positional versatility,” Badger Backer’s Christian Boorman said. “He spent most of his career at right tackle, but injuries along the line forced him to move to left tackle to help stabilize the Badgers’ defensive line. Although he had a brief adjustment period, he adapted and proved he can protect the blindside.”

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Mahlman is an impressive physical specimen at 6-foot-8 and 304 pounds. The Badger offensive tackle has quick, active, and powerful hands. He has a strong anchor to power and the nimbleness of his feet to reflect it. Through the first four games of the 2025 season, Mallman gave up two sacks and eight pressures. The Lakeville native gave up one sack and six pressures over the final eight games, including an impressive game against a talented Oregon Ducks defensive front in which he gave up zero sacks and zero pressures.

“Mallman is a solid pass protector,” Boorman said. “He has been one of the leaders in Pro Football Focus’ top 10 pass blocking grade. He has only had three sacks the past two seasons. He is also relatively quick on his feet for such a big man.”

Marman has strong hands and grip strength to grab and push defenders as a runner. He seems comfortable climbing to the second level and usually reaches landmarks.

“His mobility helps him make any pulls he needs to make while also allowing him to get to the second level,” Boorman said. “He does a great job of keeping his legs driving and finishing off shots.”

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fit for the packers

The Packers will almost certainly invest heavily in the offensive line this offseason, whether through the draft or free agency. Given his track record, Brian Gutekunst could use a draft pick or two, or even three, in a position group.

Since taking over as general manager in 2018, Gutekunst has selected 12 offensive linemen on Day 3 of the draft. As it stands, the Packers are projected to have six Day 3 picks, and the smart money would have you believe that at least one of those picks will be used on the offensive line group.

With Rasheed Walker and Sean Ryan set to hit free agency and Elgton Jenkins and Aaron Banks likely to be injured, the Packers will have need-butt seats in the offensive line room at 1265 Lombardi Boulevard.

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Mallman would make sense as a late Day 3 target for the Packers. With his ability to play both tackle positions and his versatile skillset, Mallman could be Green Bay’s swing tackle of the future.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Teardown Packers of the Future: No. 78, Wisconsin OT Riley Mahlman

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