Unpacking Future Packers: No. 37, Duke OL Brian Parker II

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

The Green Bay Packers locked in their starting center and presumably the starting offensive line for the 2026 season when they re-signed Sean Rhyan to a three-year, $33 million deal.

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The Packers figure to deploy a starting offensive line of Jordan Morgan, Aaron Banks, Rhyan, Anthony Belton and Zach Tom.

That's for the upcoming season. If Rhyan disappoints during his first full season as a starting center, the Packers could move on from Rhyan's contract at the conclusion of the 2026-2027 season, opening the door for the Packers to be in the market for a new starting center.

With the Packers needing to bolster the depth of the offensive line, it would be beneficial for Brian Gutekunst to target a player with the versatility to play multiple positions across the offensive line. A potential target that checks that box is Brian Parker II. The Duke offensive lineman checks in at No. 37 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

A three-star recruit and starting center from St. Xavier in Ohio, Parker started seven games at right tackle during his redshirt freshman season in 2023. The following season, Parker started 12 games at right tackle and one game at left tackle. This past season, Parker started 13 games at right tackle.

"Brian’s leadership was extremely valuable not only to the offense but the entire team," Jeff Norrid, the offensive line coach for Duke, said. "His consistency, durability, and physicality were a tremendous part of our success as a team."

The Duke product moves extremely well and has no restrictions getting out in space. Parker has quick feet and outstanding range as a run blocker. His feet continue to churn once he initiates contact to create movement in the ground game. He has impressive grip strength to latch and drive.

"As a player in both run and pass protection, he is very savvy," Norrid said. "In the run game, he understands leverage and is good with his hands. He has disciplined footwork that allows him to get in the right positions and play with power."

In pass protection, Parker has good lateral quickness and stays balanced through contact. At 6-5 and nearly 33-inch arms, he has good length for an interior lineman. He's going to win the hand battle. He stands his ground against power. Pair all his physical tools with his football acumen, and you have a player capable of anchoring an offensive line for eight plus years. A year after giving up zero sacks and 10 pressures, Parker gave up three sacks and 20 pressures this past season.

"His best qualities are his hand/punch targeting," Norrid said. "He’s very consistent with striking defenders in the right areas. His understanding of set lines and the ability to anchor on contact. He’s very good at assessing the pass rush and adjusting as needed."

Parker offers five-position versatility. A former high school center, Parker took reps at center during practices at Duke and found himself back on the interior during Shrine Bowl Practices. He'll make his living playing either center or guard, but given his length, athleticism and experience, he's a player who could kick out to tackle in an emergency.

"When I first got to Duke in 2024, I had Brian get reps at both tackle and center," Norrid said. "Brian has a high football IQ and understands the game at a different level than your average offensive lineman. On top of the mental side of things, his athletic ability and size give him the versatility to play with power on the interior of the line and his foot quickness allows him to protect on the edge. Overall, his versatility is what makes him such a valuable asset."

Fit with the Packers

Parker checks all the boxes with his athleticism, football IQ and versatility. He is cut from the same cloth as Zach Tom or Elgton Jenkins, and he's a player that Gutekunst could target with the 84th overall pick.

If Parker landed with the Packers, he would provide quality depth across the entire offensive line as a rookie and he could step into a starting role at center or left guard if the Packers opt to move on from Banks or Rhyan.

"He has everything you could ask for in a player," Norrid said. "He’s smart, tough, durable, and can play all five positions on the offensive line."

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Unpacking Future Packers: No. 37, Duke OL Brian Parker II

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