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

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 have their starting left tackle for the upcoming season in Jordan Morgan. The former first-round pick is penciled in to be Jordan Love’s blindside protector for the upcoming season and hopefully for the foreseeable future.

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

What they need to address this offseason is adding a swing tackle. A potential target late on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft is Riley Mahlman. The Wisconsin Badgers‘ offensive tackle checks in at No. 78 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

A four-star recruit and native of Lakeville, Minnesota, Mahlman started 31 games at right tackle prior to the 2025 season. During his final season as a Badger, Mahlman started the season opener at right tackle and started the final 11 games at left tackle.

“One of the most important developments in Mahlman’s final year was his positional versatility,” Christian Boorman, of Badger Backer, said. “He spent the majority of his career as a right tackle, but injuries along the line forced him over to left tackle to help stabilize the Badgers’ line. Although he had a slight adjustment period, he settled in and proved he could protect the blind side.”

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

“Mahlman is a reliable pass protector,” Boorman said. “He has been among the leaders in pass blocking grades in the Big Ten on Pro Football Focus. He’s allowed just three sacks the past two seasons. He has relatively quick feet for such a big guy, too.”

Mahlman has strong hands and the grip strength to latch on and drive defenders as a run blocker. He looks comfotable climbing to the second level and he usually hits his landmarks.

“His mobility helps him with any pulling he’ll need to do, but also allows him to get to the second level,’ Boorman said. “He does a good job of keeping his legs driving and finishing blocks through the whistle.”

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Fit with the Packers

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

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

With Rasheed Walker and Sean Rhyan set to hit free agency, and Elgton Jenkins and Aaron Banks potential cap casualties, the Packers will have seats that need butts in them at the offensive line room inside 1265 Lombardi Avenue.

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Mahlman makes sense as a late Day 3 target for the Packers. With his ability to play both tackle spots and his well-rounded skill set, Mahlman could be Green Bay’s swing tackle of the future.

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