The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and now it’s time to hand out grades to see how the Green Bay Packers did. The Packers’ first-round pick went to Dallas as part of the Micah Parsons trade last season. General Manager Brian Gutekunst entered this draft looking to maximize his mid-round capital to support Jordan Love and build around Parsons. The Packers also aimed to keep their 2027 draft capital for a draft class that is regarded as loaded.
Green Bay Packers NFL Draft Grades: Defensive Firepower Added to the Mix
Second Round (52nd Overall): Brandon Cisse, Cornerback
Cisse was projected by many as a first-round talent, and for him to be available at this pick, Gutekunst had to be pleased. He arguably has the best physical talents of all cornerbacks in the draft class, including elite top-end speed. His experience throughout the secondary, particularly in man coverage, is a solid fit in new Defensive Coordinator Jonathon Gannon’s defense. With Micah Parsons generating monster chaos in the backfield, Green Bay needed a press corner. He will have to work on his tackling technique, the one area of weakness that stands out. Cisse is just 20 years old, and his speed and athleticism are off the charts.
Packers Draft Grade: A
Brandon Cisse NFL Draft Profile
Third Round (77th Overall): Chris McClellan, Defensive Tackle
McClellan’s draft stock rose as teams became impressed with his power and production on the interior defensive line. Gannon relies on an aggressive style of defense, and McClellan fits his type of player, collecting 8.5 sacks over the last two seasons. He excels as a bull rusher, and if he learns some additional pash rush moves, this pick could be the steal of the third round. Teams can’t double-team both Micah Parsons and McClellan, which bodes well for the rest of the defense.
Packers Draft Grade: A-
Chris McClellan NFL Draft Profile
Fourth Round (120th Overall): Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE
This selection is impacted partly by the pairing of Dennis-Sutton with McClellan and Cisse. Dennis-Sutton excels in the pass rush, and his NFL Combine numbers are at the top of the class for EDGE rushers. He has bull rush power and quickness that are going to thrive in Hafley’s pressure defense. Paired with McClellan’s athleticism and with Parsons garnering so many double teams, the stage is set for Dennis-Sutton to shine. Collecting Cisse, McClellan, and Dennis-Sutton on their first three picks bodes well for the Packers’ defense. Green Bay just became a whole lot better on defense despite not having a first-round pick.
Packers Draft Grade: B+
Dani Dennis-Sutton NFL Draft Profile
Fifth Round (153rd Overall): Jager Burton, Center/Guard
Burton’s versatility on the interior offensive line makes this an intriguing pick for the Packers. He has experience at center and both guard positions, excelling in the tough SEC for Kentucky. He will serve as a solid backup to start his career and has the football IQ to quarterback the offensive line in time. Burton’s Relative Athletic Score at the NFL Combine was 9.91, the 7th best recorded since 1987.
Packers Draft Grade: B+
Jager Burton NFL Draft Profile
Sixth Round (201st Overall): Domani Jackson, Cornerback
Jonathon Gannon knows how to utilize pressure defense, and Jackson is his type of cornerback. Jackson is physical at the line of scrimmage and ran a 4.41 40-yard dash at the Combine. He will have to manage his aggressiveness, with a tendency to be flagged. He is also susceptible to double moves. His physical attributes make him an interesting prospect, but he lacked great production in college. Jackson will contribute to special teams, and with refinement of his game, can be a solid NFL starter.
Packers Draft Grade: B
Domani Jackson NFL Draft Profile
Sixth Round (216th Overall): Trey Smack, Kicker
The Packers have struggled to find consistency at kicker in recent years, and it was Brandon McManus who was inconsistent. Green Bay moved up to take Smack with the final pick of Round 6. Smack was regarded as the top-ranked kicker in this year’s draft class. He made 53 of 64 field goal attempts at Florida, including 14 of 19 from 40-49 yards. Smack was very efficient from 50 yards or longer, making 10 of 13, with a career-long of 56 yards.
Packers Draft Grade: B
OVERALL Team Draft Grade: A-
