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Unpacking Future Packers: No. 53, Arkansas OL Fernando Carmona

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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.

Since taking over as general manager of the Green Bay Packers in 2018, Brian Gutekunst has drafted 17 offensive linemen, and he's drafted at least one offensive lineman in every draft, except for the 2023 NFL Draft. That figure will increase at the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft.

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A potential target on Day 3 of the upcoming draft is Fernando Carmona. The Arkansas offensive lineman checks in at No. 53 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

A Nevada native, Carmona started his collegiate career at San Jose State. During his three seasons with the Spartans, Carmona started 24 games at left tackle.

Carmona transferred to Arkansas for the 2024 season and started 13 games at left tackle. This past season, Carmona kicked inside and started 12 games at left guard.

"His versatility was a key part in Arkansas' offensive line becoming a complete unit in 2025," Jackson Fuller, a University of Arkansas sports reporter for the Times Record, said. "Carmona was a solid left tackle in 2024, but he became an elite guard last fall and allowed the Hogs to snatch an elite tackle out of the transfer portal to round out the position. His home in the NFL will surely be inside, but perhaps he can provide some depth as an emergency tackle."

At 6-5 and 316 pounds, Carmona has workable mass on his frame. As a run blocker, he plays with an edge and uses his physical hands to push defenders off their spot. He keeps his legs driving at contact to create movement. While not a 'wow' athlete by any means, he has functional athleticism to get out in space and hit his marks.

"Carmona is mean," Fuller said. "Sometimes, too mean. Personal fouls and some dirty plays got caught on camera during his time at Arkansas, but it makes him a mauler in the run game. He also has tremendous athleticism and isn't afraid to block in space off outside runs."

During his first season at guard, Carmona gave up one sack and 16 pressures. He keeps his hands tight and ready in pass protection. Carmona pounces out of his stance with controlled steps and is coordinated in his shuffle to shut down rush lanes.

"Carmona's quick first step allows him to engage with pass rushers early and set the tone at the line of scrimmage," Fuller said. "He's at his best when he's the one initiating contact and getting his hands latched onto opposing defenders."

Carmona offers five-position versatility. At the collegiate level, he showcased the ability to play tackle and guard, and at the NFL Scouting Combine, he was asked to take snaps at center after on-field drills concluded. With how he handled the transition to guard this past season, there is no reason to doubt that he couldn't handle the transition to center.

Fit with the Packers

The Packers are set to have Rasheed Walker and Sean Rhyan hit free agency, while Elgton Jenkins is expected to be a cap casualty. 

With those potential departures, the Packers are expected to invest heavily in the offensive line as they look for a new starting center, a swing tackle and interior depth.

Given his versatility, experience and football acumen, Carmona could be an ideal target on Day 3 of the draft. He also showcased better athleticism than expected at the Scouting Combine. The Arkansas offensive lineman clocked a 7.50 3-cone time and was one of six prospects who competed in all the drills.

"I would draft Carmona because he provides a high floor as an interior blocker and has the right mentality to thrive in the NFL," Fuller said. "He's tough and has a team-first mindset."

If Carmona were to land in Green Bay, he'd provide much-needed depth at guard, potentially center and could be viewed as a player who could play tackle in a pinch. That's what he would provide as a rookie. In the long-term he could be viewed as the team's future starting left guard.

This past season showed how important offensive line depth is and adding a player like Carmona on Day 3 would be a no-brainer for a team that needs to bolster the offensive line.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Unpacking Future Packers: No. 53, Arkansas OL Fernando Carmona

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