Unpacking the Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of the 100 prospects the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Green Bay’s starting offensive line for the first week of the 2025 season consists of Rasheed Walker, Aaron Banks, Elgton Jenkins, Sean Ryan and Zach Tom. When the Packers open the 2026 season, the offensive line may look completely different. Walker and Ryan will become free agents this offseason, while Jenkins could become a salary cap casualty.
advertise
The Packers may be in the market for a new starting center, and a potential target in the 2026 NFL Draft is Pat Coogan. Indiana center ranked 99th in countdown of Packers unpacking future.
Coogan, a transfer from Notre Dame, has been the Hoosiers’ starting center (14 games). During his time in South Bend, Coogan started 13 games at center and 13 games at left guard.
“Pat provides the Indiana offense with a much-needed veteran leader,” Indiana WIUX sportscaster Nick Rodecap said. “He has a calm personality, a strong sense of responsibility and a wealth of experience on the biggest stages. Kurt Cignetti has discussed that the Ohio State game and the College Football Playoff run at Notre Dame were too big for last year’s Indiana team, so finding someone who knows how to handle those moments is critical.”
Coogan was named the Rose Bowl MVP for his performance in the Jan. 1 win over the Crimson Tide. It’s a testament to how much Coogan means to Indiana both on and off the field.
“Pat’s greatest strength is his leadership,” Rodcap said. “Just like he did last season at Notre Dame, he helped get Indiana excited with his pregame speeches, giving them a greater advantage on the field. One of the speeches his teammates talked about the most was his ‘fitting in’ speech before the Purdue game. The theme was that all the players on Indiana’s roster were covered by it. Overlooked by his school, but all of their journeys lead to a chance for an undefeated regular season and a chance to reach the Big Ten Conference. Kelon Black said Coogan’s speech kept the team focused on the task at hand, and even though it was his only season in Indiana, his actions and words earned the respect of coaches and players.
advertise
Coogan is a cerebral player with the football acumen needed to dominate an NFL offensive line. He is a pass protection technician. He keeps his shoulders and feet aligned. The Notre Dame transfer features strong anti-power anchoring and a secondary grip for both hands. Coogan has given up zero sacks and nine pressures so far this season.
“Pat is a great communicator,” Rodcap said. “Every time we talk to him, he stresses the importance of the offensive line understanding its assignment on every dropback. Whenever the offensive line struggles in pass protection, he takes responsibility. That starts with his communication with Fernando Mendoza and making sure all rushers are accounted for. His hand position is also very good because it gives him leverage inside defensive linemen.”
Coogan is an exciting player who understands angles. He has enough grip to support and push defenders back to open running lanes. While he’s not an “amazing” athlete, he has the functional athleticism to get into space and reach milestones.
“Pat’s run blocking relies on good hand position and speed,” Rodcap said. “It feels like he can get to the second level easily. He’s able to move defenders out of the line of scrimmage and create pretty big running lanes.”
advertise
fit for the packers
With his durability, experience, football IQ and ability to play both center and linebacker, Coogan could be an ideal target for the Packers on Day 3 of the draft.
Coogan may not wow scouts with his athleticism throughout the draft process, but he will impress in interviews.
He is the heart and soul of Indiana’s offense and will be the top player on day three of the draft. Here’s what Indiana tight end Riley Nowakowski had to say about Coogan’s leadership after Indiana’s win over Alabama:
“He starts with being the centerpiece, doing all the communication, his vocal leadership from the sideline throughout the game, he gives us the pregame speech every week and I’m ready to break through the walls for him.”
As a rookie, Coogan could provide depth at center and guard. With the potential opening at center, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a player like Coogan earn a starting job as a rookie and become the team’s long-term starting center.
advertise
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Teardown Packers of the Future: No. 99, Indiana C Pat Coogan
