Packers’ 2026 NFL Draft Grades For Every Pick

The Green Bay Packers did not have a prominent position in this year’s NFL Draft. They did not have a first-round pick, as that selection went to the Dallas Cowboys as part of the trade that brought them Micah Parsons shortly before the start of the 2025 season.

That was fine with general manager Brian Gutekunst at the time, and there was no buyer’s remorse while the other teams in the NFL were considering their options in the first round. Parsons is a game-changing player who suffered a torn ACL in his left knee last December.

He will return in 2026, but he will miss the first 3 or 4 games of the season. Once Parsons returns, he gives the Packers a devastating characteristic. The Packers had six selections in the draft, with four of those picks coming on defense. Their first pick was second-round selection DB Brandon Cisse of South Carolina

Round 2, No. 52: Brandon Cisse, DB, South Carolina

Grade: B+

The Packers believe that Cisse is going to be able to step in and play nickel right away and also serve as a force on special teams coverage units. Cisse is an excellent athlete but he is not a refined player at this point. He needs to improve his overall recognition of what the offense is trying to do and gain a greater sense of anticipation.

However, he is an aggressive player who has excellent speed and leaping ability. The Packers see him as a starting cornerback and possibly a CB1, but he is going to need some time to fully understand what opponents are doing to attack the secondary. Once he gets the mental part of the game down, he has the potential to be a shutdown corner.

Round 3, No. 77: Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri

Grade: B

McClellan is an imposing figure at 6-4 and 313 pounds. He has huge arms and he is the kind of player the Packers need to shut down the interior running game. The Packers identified defensive back and defensive lineman as their two biggest needs going into the draft, and those two positions marked their first two selections.

He demonstrated the ability to make big plays from the middle of the defensive line, as he had 6 sacks and 8 tackles for loss last year.  McClellan may not be an every-down player at this point in his career, but he will be a disruptor when he rotates into the lineup.

Round 4, No. 120: Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State

Grade: B

Dennis-Sutton appears to be something of a steal for Gutekunst because he ranked in the top 70 list of many draft experts, yet the Packers got him with the No. 120 selection. He should be able to back up Parsons once the All-Pro returns from last year’s injury.

He is likely to be in the starting lineup prior to Parsons’ return because the Packers don’t have the kind of pass rushers who are regularly going to get to the quarterback from the outside. He has excellent size and speed, and he has the kind of quick first step that could cause problems for opposing offensive tackles. He blocked three punts as a special teamer last season for Penn State.

Round 5, No. 153: Jager Burton, C-OG, Kentucky

Grade: C

Burton is a versatile performer on the offensive line because he can play all three interior positions. He is aggressive and  has the ability to win on his initial effort because he blocks with efficiency and precision. On the other hand, he has some issues sustaining his blocks and he is going to have to improve in this area quickly.

Look for the Packers to use him to back up starting center Sean Rhyan early in his first year before handling similar responsibilities at either guard position

Round 6, No. 201: Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama

Grade: C-

The Packers are going to give Jackson a chance to win a position as a backup corner, but his progress during his college career was hurt by a knee injury. He was one of the most highly recruited defensive backs when he began his college career, so the Packers know he has talent, but he has to make an impression right away if he is going to be in the team’s CB rotation.

Like most late-round draft picks, Jackson is going to have to make a huge impression on special teams if he is going to make the final roster.

Round 6, No. 216: Trey Smack, PK, Florida

Grade: B

The Packers made an interesting decision to select Smack, because the Packers have gotten solid results from incumbent PK Brandon McManus. However, a kicker who is good and makes 80 percent of his FG attempts is not elite, and that’s what the Packers are hoping for by drafting Smack.

McManus made 24 of 30 FG attempts last year, but just 3 of 7 from 40-49 yards and 3 of 5 from 50 yards and beyond. Smack has a big leg. He made 18 of 22 FG attempts last season and he connected on 10 of 13 from 50 yards and beyond for the Gators.

Final Packers Grade: B-

The Packers were not going to change the overall makeup of their team with their six draft choices. They did not have a first rounder, but Gutekunst addressed their biggest needs in the secondary and on the defensive line with their first two picks. It looks like the Packers did the best they could with the selections they had at their disposal.