Packers’ Rookie Power Rankings Entering Week 3

Sep 20, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Brandon Cisse (2) prepares to make a tackle on New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Packers’ Rookie Power Rankings Entering Week 3

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Sep 23, 2026 5:49 PM ET

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The Green Bay Packers are 1-1 heading into a Thursday Night Football matchup against the 0-2 Atlanta Falcons. Through two weeks, several first-year players have been thrust into the mix, with varying results.

Below, we take a look at how the Packers’ rookies stack up heading into Week 3.

1. K Trey Smack

In Sunday’s thrilling come-from-behind victory over the New York Jets, Smack had ice water in his veins, making two clutch field goals late for the Packers. First, he nailed a game-tying 34-yarder with 2:59 remaining in the fourth quarter to force overtime before nailing a walk-off 26-yarder.

On the surface, these weren’t difficult kicks. But both came in pressure-packed situations, where a miss would have likely changed the outcome. Also, short-distance chances were something Smack struggled with during training camp.

So far this season, Smack is 5-for-5 in field goal attempts, with his only blemish being a missed extra point in Week 1.

2. CB Brandon Cisse

The 2026 second-round pick is quietly finding his footing in the Packers’ secondary. Through two games, he’s recorded six tackles and half a sack, but hasn’t been tested very often in the passing game.

Heading into Week 3, Cisse has been targeted five times, allowing three catches for 55 yards and two touchdowns. However, those scores came against two of the NFL’s most explosive receivers, Justin Jefferson and Garrett Wilson.

All in all, the rookie is hanging in there, while learning important lessons along the way.

3. EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton

Last Sunday, the 2026 fourth-round pick out of Penn State had his best game as a pro, tallying four tackles, four pressures and two quarterback hurries, while notching his first-career sack. His workload is also slowly increasing.

In Week 2, Dennis-Sutton saw his snaps increase from 21 in the opener to 30 against the Jets. Also, his pass-rush snaps nearly doubled from 10 to 18.

It seems trust in Dennis-Sutton is growing. Against the Falcons, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him receive even more work, and it should be interesting to see what he does with the opportunity.

4. G Jager Burton

The Packers’ fifth-round pick, Burton, saw his first real NFL action against the Jets and performed solidly. The former Kentucky standout was forced into action, filling in at left guard after both Aaron Banks and Donovan Jennings went down with injuries.

Burton saw only 23 snaps, but didn’t allow a single pressure.

After showing promise during training camp, Burton delivered when called upon, even in a small sample size. With Banks questionable for Thursday, it’s possible he could get a chance to start.