2026 NFL Draft Grades: Green Bay Packers

The Packers did not have a first-round pick, but remember, Micah Parsons is the reason. While Parsons' first season at Lambeau ended prematurely with a torn ACL, the Packers likely don't have too many regrets about skipping Day 1, given the quality of prospects where Green Bay would have been picking and, of course, what they got back in the move.

The August 2025 trade did, however, make it that much more difficult to tackle needs, which mainly fall all around Parsons on that defense. They needed another edge rusher opposite Parsons (once he returns), and that's especially true after Rashan Gary was traded to Dallas. They needed another defensive tackle, too, though 33-year-old Javon Hargrave puts a Band-Aid on that issue in the short term. The real problem was at cornerback, though. Green Bay had to upgrade on Keisean Nixon and Carrington Vallentine, and signing Benjamin St-Juste doesn't get it all the way there. The defense managed just seven INTs (28th) and allowed opponents to complete 65.6% of their passes (22nd) last season.

Finally on the clock at No. 52, the Packers took Brandon Cisse. Save for Jermod McCoy, who clearly has some knee concerns, Cisse was the best CB available. He's quick in transition, but his awareness is pretty special. He anticipates well and doesn't have issues when he needs to turn his back to the football. He's not going to come down with a bunch of interceptions, but he closes quickly and gets his long arms in to make plays, with 12 pass breakups since 2024.

Chris McClellan and Dani Dennis-Sutton touched on those other two needs. McClellan gets interior pressure with six sacks last season, and Dennis-Sutton should be a good rotational pass rusher. There are definitely some contributors here, but the missing first-round pick hurt Green Bay's ability to find Day 1 starters.

Why this high? Because their first-round pick was used last year as part of the blockbuster acquisition of Parsons. Enough said. But if you want us to say a little more, promising second-round CB Brandon Cisse might not need much time to work his way into the starting lineup.

Best Pick: Third-round defensive tackle Chris McClellan from Missouri is a tough, strong player who will give them some much-needed help inside.

Worst Pick: Fourth-round EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton doesn't have a ton of pass-rush pop, which they needed. He is a good run player, which will help in a division with teams who run the football.

The Skinny: They didn't have a first-round pick because of the trade for Micah Parsons, but they added some solid defensive pieces in second-round corner Brandon Cisse and McClellan. Sixth-round corner Domani Jackson is a guy to watch as well.

Last year's blockbuster trade for Micah Parsons meant that the Packers had to wait until No. 52 overall for Brian Gutekunst to make his first selection, and he opted to focus almost exclusively on defense, starting with cornerback Brandon Cisse. The toolsy corner was considered a potential first-round selection, so getting him at this point in the draft was a coup. Defensive tackle Chris McClellan lacked the flashy stats of some of this year's other interior, but I think his size and style suggest he'll be a longtime NFL starter, as might edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton.

I thought Green Bay could've boosted its depth at offensive tackle and running back in this class, so this grade is tempered, but I liked the gamble on traits with sixth-round cornerback Domani Jackson and I think that McClellan, in particular, is going to ultimately outplay his selection as a mid-Day 3 pick.

The Packers wisely used their first round pick in a package for Micah Parsons, making it an uphill battle to earn a high mark from this specific class of prospects. With that being said, I didn't value a lot of their picks as high as them but they still landed contributors at needs.

Cisse is only 20 years old, is very athletic and constantly shows up when it's time to tackle (whether it's against the run or after the catch). As a pure cover corner, he is a massive projection as he lacks feel for routes on tape and rarely ever turns to play the ball. This is a high-risk, high-reward swing.

McClellan has alignment versatility and even showed some pass rush ability from the interior, but I thought Domonique Orange had more upside in this slot. Dani Dennis-Sutton doesn't play up to his incredible testing as a pass rusher, but he does give them important edge depth to defend the run after losing Kingsley Enagbare in free agency.

I like Burton's size and iron man ability, but he needs to be careful with his leaning and balance in the pros. To credit the Packers, they always seem to get the most out of offensive linemen exactly like him later in the draft.

Here's why: Micah Parsons makes having no first-rounder more palpable, so the Packers waited until pick No. 52 to make their first selection in cornerback Brandon Cisse. He has athleticism and traits, but is still developing his awareness and feel for the game (I think he'd be best moving to the slot or to safety).

Dani Dennis-Sutton was a solidly productive four-year starter at Penn State who had an excellent showing in tests this spring. His play leaves you wanting to see more impact, but he has a high floor as a rotation edge who can even kick inside on pass rush downs because of his size. The Packers needed depth up front on defense and on offense. Adding Jager Burton is another body to throw into the offensive line room with interior position versatility at center and both guards spots, the type of flexibility the Packers love with their big guys.

Most interesting pick: Trey Smack, K, Florida

His name is Trey Smack. And that last name is an aptronym because he can smack the hell out of the football, with nearly a dozen 50+ yard field goals in college. Let's give the only kicker selected some love.

The Packers went without a first-round pick in this draft after sending it away last year for Micah Parsons, so the team came into the weekend short-handed. They kicked things off late in the second round, grabbing cornerback Brandon Cisse. The former Gamecocks standout offers good size and plays with a physical style at the line of scrimmage. He's a top-tier athlete with blazing makeup speed when he loses a step in coverage. He should have a chance to compete for starting snaps right away. In the third round, the Packers looked to the defensive line, nabbing Missouri's Chris McClellan, a stout nose tackle prospect who could earn reps in the defensive line rotation early on. Pass rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton is another defensive lineman who could see the field in certain situations as a rookie. A former five-star prospect with excellent length and top-tier athleticism, he plays with power on the edge and dominates blockers at the point of attack. This was a low-fanfare draft for Green Bay, but the team managed to come away with a couple potential early contributors.

Analysis: Cornerbacks from the first and second tiers had already been selected by the time the Packers went on the clock. Still, the team landed a cornerback with plenty of upside in Cisse. The problem, though, is that he's a raw prospect who will likely need time to develop, and the Packers aren't in a position to be patient with a roster that needs to win now. Green Bay also waited a long time to address the holes on its offensive line, selecting Burton to potentially replace the departed Elgton Jenkins. Maybe the Packers' front office thinks it has an eye for gems, because it doesn't appear this team acquired immediate help in this class. Green Bay ended the draft by adding Smack to compete with veteran kicker Brandon McManus, who missed kicks in crucial moments last season.