Meet Your Green Bay Packers 2026 Draft Picks!
Introducing the newest class of rookies on its way to Titletown
By TimBackes
The 2026 Green Bay Packers draft class was, as expected, all about defense. I had remarked on BlueSky earlier this week that I'd be perfectly fine if the Packers spent their entire draft on cornerback, defensive line, and offensive line, and right off the bat General Manager Brian Gutekunst came out as though he intended to do exactly that. The Packers may not have had a first round pick this year, but they still managed to address some key positions of need with players that fit the mold of what the Packers have historically liked to do with their draft picks.
As always, there's only so much you can say about a draft class when you're just looking at it on paper. But from a needs-based perspective, it's hard not to be happy about what the Packers just did.
Here's a look at your brand new crop of rookies coming to Green Bay!
Round 2
#52 Overall, Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Cornerback has been the Packers' top position of need for a couple years now. There's no way the Packers could in good conscience walk into this year with the depth chart looking like it currently does. So the addition of Cisse was a welcome one; the Packers needed to spend a premium pick on the position.
Cisse himself also looks the part of a Brian Gutekunst draft pick. He's fast and athletic, capable of catching up to receivers if he gets beat. He's versatile in coverage and good against the run, but also is going to have plenty of adjusting to do to the NFL game. But scouts love his upside, and his pick was met with a lot of praise from Packer fans and third-party analysts alike. Here's hoping he can work his way into the starting lineup sooner than later.
Round 3
#77 Overall: Chris McLellan, DT, Missouri
This is a large human. At nearly 6'4 and weighing in at 313 pounds, McLellan is a space eater with a lot of a lot of strength. He figures to be a rotational role player in the Packers' defense to help plug up some of the holes that appeared in the absence of Devonte Wyatt a year ago; there was a great need for more depth at this position. The Packers clearly liked him enough to trade up to make the pick, and reports are there were several teams who were hoping to make the selection themselves.
McClellan isn't going to be someone who makes a lot of flash plays, but that's also not what he's going to be asked to do. He's got a lot of experience playing football already and has only gotten better each season. The Packers would be elated to have a situational nose tackle who can reliably hold down the middle of the field, and so if McClellan can accomplish that, he'll be an outstanding pick here in the third round.
Round 4
#120 Overall: Dani Dennis-Sutton, DE, Penn State
Probably the best value pick of the Packers' draft. There were many who thought the Packers would take Dennis-Sutton with their second-round selection, which may have been a minor reach but would also have fit with a lot of the projections coming into the weekend. For the Packers to scoop him up on day three, that's a massive value victory. It gets better; he blocked three punts in his final season at Penn State, so he could be a strong special teams presence as well!
Dennis-Sutton is an absolute freak athletically, grading out at a 9.96 RAS (the 9th-highest grade for any DE in the last 30 years). He has everything you could ask for athletically and in terms of upside. Le's tall, long, and strong, capable of being a power rusher and a run defender. He's working on continuing to add to his set of pass rush moves, but he should not be mistaken for a one-trick pony. With some coaching and experience, he could be a real steal here, especially considering he has a nonstop motor and a deep love for the game. Micah Parsons was particularly excited about this pick, according to his Instagram story, which you love to see. With Parsons probably not looking to be ready for the first few weeks of the season, Dennis-Sutton will get plenty of playing opportunities early on.
Round 5
#153 Overall: Jager Burton, C, Kentucky
Burton is listed as a center in the draft, but has played both center and guard, so he'll likely be a depth player at any of the interior line positions. He had a lot of starting experience at Kentucky, and generally is a good fit for zone running schemes, which is probably one of the reasons why he drew the Packers' attention.
Burton has some of the drawbacks you will generally see from late-round offensive linemen, including some consistency issues and limits against certain types of pass rushes. But he also is very clearly the kind of fit the Packers look for; he's an elite athlete with a 9.88 RAS and a guy who can play multiple positions on the line. If that doesn't scream Brian Gutekunst late-round lineman I don't know what does. There's probably not a team that finds linemen more consistently on day three than the Packers, so here's hoping they've got another one.
Round 6
#201 Overall: Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
The Packers decide to double up at CB, which makes sense, as it was their greatest position of need. Once again, you get Brian Gutekunst picking a player with elite athleticism (9.00 RAS, ranking in the top 10 percent of players of the last 30 years at hte position). He's fast and rangy and decent height for the position at 6'1.
Highly recruited out of high school, it took a few years for him to catch on to the college game, after he got to Alabama. Probably had a stronger junior season than senior season. Worth taking a shot on; elite athleticism and big-school pedigree.
Round 6
#216 Overall: Trey Smack, K, Florida
The Packers trade up again, this time for a kicker! Could this spell the end of Brandon McManus?
Smack was ranked by ESPN as the best kicker available in the draft. He was 10 of 13 from 50+ in his career at Florida (a school record for number of long kicks) and had a career 82.8% field goal accuracy over three seasons. Has a high trajectory on long kicks, according to scouting reports. Definite position of need for the Packers.
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__________________________
Tim Backes is a lifelong Packer fan and a contributor to CheeseheadTV. Follow him on Twitter @timbackes for his Packer takes, random musings and Untappd beer check-ins.
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Comments (52)
golfpacker61
April 25, 2026 at 06:33 pm
A pretty small but very solid class. GB actually filled major holes in the roster this year and should get an A+ for that. Finally we start to rebuild the CB room, much needed. Dani Dennis-Sutton is the crown jewel for me even over our top pick, Cisse. We had a big hole to fill after losing Gary & Enagbare, and no proven talent on the roster to do that. Prediction, Dennis Sutton gets the second most Edge snaps behind Parsons.
I know little about the kicker Smack although I now know he is one of the best this year. The only downside with him is losing the 7th round picks, which ended up being a solid CB, Andre Fuller Toledo, and the bigger loss for me, Dallen Bentley-TE-Utah was still available at the other GB pick #255. He would have been the cherry on top.
It will be really fun to be the "prom queen" of the 2027 NFL draft because we will have so many picks to start with. That will be a fill all the rest of the needs and picks for the future draft. GPG!!
greengold
April 25, 2026 at 07:41 pm
What a name for a Kicker. Trey Smack.
Chef’s kiss.
heyjoe4
May 03, 2026 at 07:19 am
I really hope Smack excels - for the good of the team, and for the endless wordplay broadcasters and writers will have with his name!
heyjoe4
May 03, 2026 at 07:18 am
Interesting comments gp61. I thought Gluten would grab D-S if he was there at #52, but CB had to be the first pick, especially with Cisse available. And then DS fell to #102!
It takes about 3 years to grade a draft. Given so few picks, I though Gluten and his team did a terrific job.
dobber
April 25, 2026 at 07:02 pm
Gute and Co. drafted like they think they have plenty of playable OL depth in-house. If there's one thing that can sink your season, it's being wrong about your OL and depth. The job isn't done here yet.
Oppy
April 25, 2026 at 08:47 pm
This is one of my most 'approved of' drafts in quite a few years, even if it not spectacular.
I agree with OL depth, I would have liked to have seen a second OL and could have gone without a pass rusher, but I was not deep into research this year and don't know if the draft class supported another OL that was a better value than Dennis-Sutton at that spot. I suspect you are correct that the OL room has more additions to be made before the start of the new season.
I do think next year the Packers are going to reshape the OL from a deep well in a year they look to have maximum mid-round selections in.
dobber
April 26, 2026 at 11:03 am
"I do think next year the Packers are going to reshape the OL from a deep well in a year they look to have maximum mid-round selections in."
They've got 3 starters playing under big contracts (Banks, Rhyan, Tom), and Morgan will be in his 4th year. They'll have to make a decision on his 5th year option next May. I don't see anyone on the depth chart to push those guys. Maybe they stay healthy and play well?
Oppy
April 26, 2026 at 04:24 pm
Yeah, unless there's some journeyman OL freed up during cut downs that the Packers can acquire, this year is probably what it is.. hang on to your hats, kids, we could be in for a bumpy ride.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 26, 2026 at 08:39 pm
13 O linemen on the roster. Some of them have to be better than they were last year ...
Oppy
May 01, 2026 at 04:18 am
Sorry for delayed response.. being better is not the same thing as being good enough.
GregC
April 25, 2026 at 09:28 pm
One new O-lineman on day 3 was just what I had in mind. They have their five starters: Morgan, Banks, Rhyan, Belton, and Tom. I like for a line to go eight deep, so they will need to get three reliable backups out of the following: Darien Kinnard, Travis Glover, Jacob Monk, Jager Burton, Donovan Jennings, Dalton Cooper, John Williams, and Brant Banks. I think there's a decent chance they can make that happen. The bigger question is whether the starters are going to be good enough.
Oppy
April 25, 2026 at 10:41 pm
Morgan is a complete unknown and everything hinges on the Packers having bet it all he can be a competent starting LT in the league.
Sean Rhyan is the other big question mark on my mind.. Yes, Banks had a rough start to his year in 2025 and I don't think he's a long term solution, but I do believe he can at least maintain average competency at his position.. Ryan is a guy who I thought had to prove being worth extending in 2025 at his normal position of guard, and I'm not sure he did that before he was switched to Center.. and I don't think he played Center at a convincing level, either.
At the very least, I'm hopeful that Burton provided some insurance for the future at center should Rhyan fail to prove the Packers investment in him was worthwhile... Left tackle leaves me in blind faith / hope mode at this point. Man, I hope the Packers are right about Jordan Morgan.
golfpacker61
April 26, 2026 at 09:28 am
The UDFA, Getsy, looks like a good depth guy. And he has played multiple positions. But I get what you are saying Dobber. 8 picks turned into 6 just doesn't go very far. It was remarkable we did as well as we did. I am depressed that we missed a golden chance to draft Dallen Bently as our TE2. I am guessing he dropped because he is 25 years old.
OL, DT, & CB, depth could still be addressed with some reasonable FAs, good players will be getting cut.
A noticeable non-draftee was Xzavian Harris, I guess his legal issues overcame his physical talent. I wonder what kind of flack a team would receive by bringing him in? It wouldn't be Mike Vick level but it would make people unhappy.
heyjoe4
May 03, 2026 at 07:21 am
Yeah I agree dobber. The starting OL looks set, but depth is below average. Gluten did f=draft a versatile C/G. He' gonna need to find another UDFA or veteran cap casualty to improve depth.
greengold
April 25, 2026 at 07:13 pm
From an early look at the players selected by Green Bay, I couldn’t be happier with the results, as every player appears to exhibit the qualities sought after to fill currently open positions and those in dire need of upgrades.
They all appear to be gifted in good measure based upon the many evaluations, testing results, stats & reports released, loaded with the abilities and experience required to win starting roles on this Packers team.
Time to hit the proving field and bring that Lombardi Trophy back home where it belongs.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 25, 2026 at 09:30 pm
Agreed!
I just can't get on the hate Gutey train.
Will every one of these picks turn out to be unbelievably better than anyone could ever expect? Of course not, but professional coaching is supposed to get the best out of players. Here's hoping the development part of draft and develop is up to the task 🍻
Every need addressed, given the the existing O line depth has to develop just as much as anybody else. And if Zach Tom returns to 100% this season that'd be huge 🤞
bjkdad44
April 26, 2026 at 07:56 am
🤞🏻🙏🏻🤞🏻
davekenya
April 25, 2026 at 08:02 pm
This is all very fine and good, but I admit I have a burning question for y'all:
With the 57th overall pick, the Bears decided to take Iowa center Logan Jones, who will be getting free ketchup for life. In what might go down as the best draft sponsorship of all-time, Heinz decided to give a lifetime supply of ketchup to the 57th player taken in the draft. The company is based in Pittsburgh and with the draft being held in the Steel City, Heinz decided to go all-in. Good for Jones.
My question:
What other overall draft pick number would you personally pick knowing you'd then get a lifetime of XYZ from some company that is associated with that overall draft pick number?
harleycops
April 25, 2026 at 08:39 pm
How about free lifetime supply of 7UP? Goes well with brandy/whiskey!
How about a lifetime supply of Five Guys Burgers/Fries? A 315lb OL can probably crush a few of them every week!
How about A1 Steaksauce? NFL players get their protein from scarfing down many rib eye/NY strip/T bone/filet mignon steaks.
Oppy
April 25, 2026 at 08:43 pm
#99, and it ain't for red ballons..
It's for beers on the wall.
I guess you could argue that would also get me free product for #98, 97, 96, 95, 94..... you get the drift.
Doug_In_Sandpoint
April 26, 2026 at 09:56 am
I guess pick 69. But I’m like a grade schooler.
Since'61
April 25, 2026 at 08:19 pm
Only six picks but I believe the Gute has done a solid job with the selections he made and that he has made the best in meeting the Packers needs even with an unusually low number of picks available for him. I'm most happy that Dennis-Sutton was still on the board in round 4 for the Packers. I think he is the best selection Gute made in this draft and that he will contribute to the 2026 season especially during the period while Parsons is still out with his injury.
It was a smart move to move up and take the KickerTrey Smack at the end of the 6th round even though it cost the Packers both of their 7th round picks. Smack has a good record as a college kicker and another team may have taken him in the 7th round or possibly signed him as a UDFA before the Packers. Now we have competition for McManus during TC. I hope that Smack wins the job outright during TC and that he becomes the second coming of Mason Crosby for the Packers.
I also expect to see Cisse earn a starting CB spot if not during the preseason then hopefully during the season. He should be able to beat out Valentine and maybe even Nixon who I have never been crazy about as the Packers #1 CB. As for Mclellan let's give him a chance. I'm confident that he will fit into the Packers defense as a solid rotational player at least if not eventually a starter. Not sure yet about Burton or Jackson but if nothing else they will provide depth at their respective positions.
Now it's up to the coaches to get them ready to play at the NFL level. Thanks, Since '61
SicSemperTyrannis
April 25, 2026 at 09:35 pm
Even if DDS doesn't actually start, he'll still provide real competition in the room! Hopefully they all play their tuckus off, and make it really difficult for MLF to decide who should get the start :)
golfpacker61
April 29, 2026 at 11:47 am
"Hopefully they all play their tuckus off,"
Awesome reference from Grumpy Old Men, SIC!
bjkdad44
April 26, 2026 at 08:00 am
Wonder why 2 thumbs down votes?!?!?
harleycops
April 25, 2026 at 08:28 pm
It's always said that you don't win the championship in the draft. However, after paying for Micah Parsons with a 1st round pick, Guter fills in big needs with a couple of CBs, OL, DL, Edge, and a kicker. If I were McManus, I wouldn't buy a home in G.Bay. Let the kicking competition begin.....AGAIN! I think our draft went well - hope there are some real mean dogs in there. But with Parsons on the team, no rookie will slough off or rest on his college laurels. A year from now, the Pack could realistically have about 12 picks with 4 compensatory picks added. Six picks this year times 2 for 2027. Future is bright!
Go Pack Go!
golfpacker61
April 29, 2026 at 11:52 am
It seems too early to be thinking about the 2027 draft Harley, but I am just like you, I am super excited to already be sitting on twice as many "chances" to draft a couple new starters, upgrade weaker position groups, and draft some players for the future. The 2027 draft is expected to be one of the best in history and i look forward to GB being a focal point all 3 days. It will be awesome to hear, "Green Bay Packers, on the clock AGAIN!"
stockholder
April 25, 2026 at 08:54 pm
If I mocked this draft.
I would have had so many downvotes.
And most didn't want a trade up for a CB.
CB @52? Cisse?
Due to the high risk associated
with the available talent at this spot.
This is exactly why TT made us believe in him.
Trade up- from 84,. McClellan? A Dt.
McClellan was a good choice.
Orange had a weight problem.
McClellan will get the most playing time.
Edge @120 Luckiest pick in Gute's history
Another player that fell?
Gary won't be hard to replace now.
OL-@153- We lost Wicks.
We traded pick 160. And Jager Burton
was the biggest Brain Fart of the draft.
Gute didn't make up for Q. Walker or Jenkins,
201-CB Need prevailed. But the trench would
have been the smarter move.
216 a - Kicker.- Just another guy?
.
.
golfpacker61
April 29, 2026 at 11:58 am
You get so many downvotes because of your constant negativity and outlandish oppinions stock. Why don't you ask Aaron Nagler, or the draft guy Newt or Al if they think Jager Burton was a "Brain Fart?" I will bet they disagree.
We replaced Walker in the trade and we have Wicks replacements on the team already.
Our current kicker misses too many kicks to be a Packer.
stockholder
April 29, 2026 at 12:10 pm
The brain Fart is; guys
were rated higher then Burton.
They brought in Parker.
Kraft ???
Your Assumption is we can replace Wicks.
Yet, Gute brought in 4 WRs and O TEs.
Oh, and add center to that.
Wait and see, is all we can do now.
By the way Down votes, still plant a seed.
Removing posts; only tell me I was right.
Real Talk Ryan
April 25, 2026 at 09:18 pm
The best part about this draft is the drafting for need. Every draft comes with excitement of the potential that every pick holds. My biggest concern is the guy drafting them. He's the same guy that has caused the Packers to be in the situation they are in with questionable depth, mainly because a lot of his drafts are subpar. So thinking this crop of picks will be anything better, in my opinion is a stretch. However, I'm hoping for the best. My measure for a questionable GM has always been one who drafts kickers and punters when they could get those players without wasting a pick. Then when a GM trades up for one, it makes me really question the thought process. I hope all these guys turn out to be blue chip pieces, but Gutey's draft record causes me to think otherwise. We'll just have to wait and see....
SicSemperTyrannis
April 25, 2026 at 09:41 pm
A draft pick is cheaper than an UDFA. Why bother with picking two seventh rounders if you expect they have no chance to make the team? Especially if the UDFAs you're already looking at filling your roster with are just as good or the same guys?
Obviously we don't know if a single pick will work out yet, but Gutey's certainly checking the boxes ...
golfpacker61
April 29, 2026 at 12:06 pm
I heard Gutey's comments on why he traded up, losing #236 & #255 because he didn't think anyone else that was on their "Draft Board" would fall to those picks. Well, he missed out on 2 that I would think probably WERE on his board in Dallen Bentley-TE and Diego Pounds-OT/OG. I like the potential of this kicker, but a strong blocking TE2 and a Packers "Type of O-Lineman" would have put this draft over the top.
stockholder
April 29, 2026 at 12:18 pm
The steelers will send him a Christmas card.
Major Snafu
April 26, 2026 at 10:34 am
You speak the truth so some of the losers on this web page wont like it.
I hated Gutt the moment I ready he selected Gary before the combine. I watched Gary at Mich and he was okay. He was suppose to be the new coming and he wasnt. Clevely went missing in games against the top teams.
Analyst had him round two or even early round three because he seriously lacked upper body strength to compete against bigger linemen in the NFL. Wow were they right.
Gutt knows who signs his checks and he is there to deliver cheap ball. Let people go instead of renew and replace them with developementals who come cheap. Our 4th and 5th rounders that we accumulate dont costs as much as first and seconds. This this team aint going anywhere soon.
dobber
April 26, 2026 at 11:06 am
"My measure for a questionable GM has always been one who drafts kickers and punters when they could get those players without wasting a pick."
I'm not one for drafting specialists, but I expect the consensus top kicker on the board would've likely been drafted by someone in round 7.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 26, 2026 at 08:52 pm
"My biggest concern is the guy drafting them. He's the same guy that has caused the Packers to be in the situation they are in with questionable depth, mainly because a lot of his drafts are subpar"
COUNTERPOINT: HC has not developed, evaluated, nor utilized the picks as GM designed. There seems to have been a real mismatch between GM and HC. This is not necessarily set in stone, and might improve despite re-signing both? New staff elsewhere might do better at getting the most out of players?
For example, there are 13 O linemen. No reason at all that they don't all improve, especially those who haven't gotten regular season snaps. A LOT is hanging on exactly this! A good O line would make this offense nearly unstoppable. A great O line would of course do better than that ...
MooPack
April 25, 2026 at 10:51 pm
The biggest glaring needs were drafted, outside of OT. It's becoming what I consider a deliberate draft strategy directed by MLF each year. I don't think he puts much stock in OL. Even so I think it was a good draft and fell pretty well for them. Center was a need and they got an underrated Center Jager Burton. I think he pushes Monk off the team. Josh Gesky was a great UDFA addition, and I think he can push some of the Guards off. OT/LT is really now the only position I see holding this team back from competing at a higher level. It's been the case for a couple years. I have my doubts on Morgan. If he is utilitarian, they could be ok. That's a lot of eggs there. I hope a decent cutdown becomes available. I still believe this offense goes as far as the OL holds up. Not confident in that yet.
Don't read this wrong. I liked this draft. It fell the way it fell. LTs were thin this year. They got some guys on Defense that should give Gannon the pieces to compete at a high level and a chance to have a top level D, provided Parsons is 100% healthy. Wyatt as well. A CB that will probably be a starter by the quarter season, and an Edge that will factor into the rotation, and a DT that will also. And for the Packers sake a kicker that is clutch.
If LeFleur and the OL coaches don't eff this up, they should win the division and onward. The defense should be better. The offense needs to step up and score, score, score. I'm hopeful. Gitter done.
golfpacker61
April 29, 2026 at 12:18 pm
I am with you Moo, I am happy with the draft, I have even changed my mind on drafting a kicker. Losing the 2 extra picks cost us an OT, and a TE. And that's a fact.
You are 100% right, Burton will replace Monk, he is an upgrade. The UDFA Getsey could very well replace one of the project OL that have done nothing.
Morgan is a wildcard that we are betting on, Hopefully he is at least an improvement on Walker, who maybe should have been re-signed @ only $4 million.
I like that we finally addressed 2 huge needs that we have blown off for 2 years, CB & DT. And the early Xmas present of Dani Dennis-Sutton falling to us @ # 120 fills the huge hole at Edge where we have no proven talent behind Parsons.
A couple of solid FAs, maybe CB & OL would give us a really good chance of finally being a dangerous team to play in the playoffs.
brenner
April 26, 2026 at 12:08 am
Even with drafting 2 corners, I wouldn't be opposed to adding Diggs and hope either Nixon or Valentine garner some trade interest.
To be honest I don't know enough about the DT or de to have an opinion. Same for the C. All I know is bodies are needed, so theres that I guess.
heyjoe4
May 03, 2026 at 07:14 am
Hi brenner. You commented mostly on the dtaftees' weak areas, or more like areas for development. Those are legit comments and balance what has been a highly praised draft (even though it will take 3 years to make that call).
Interesting comment on Smack being perhaps the best pick, pound for pound. Smack was the consensus pick as the best K in the draft. Gluten had to do something big at K, and he did.
I liked all the picks. I hope you're wrong and DS is not a clone of LVN. From what I've read, DS is much more flexible in the hips than LVN and has more than one move to the QB.
But let's see. Thanks for being honest and looking at areas where these guys will need to improve. A jump to the NFL is tough for every draftee.
Major Snafu
April 26, 2026 at 10:37 am
Our first pick got a C grade by analyst. That cements my assessment of this draft. IMO talent wise this is an 8 win team.
golfpacker61
April 29, 2026 at 12:21 pm
M P, give it a rest. Do you ever have anything positive to add? I wonder why you have so many downvotes. stockholder Jr.
stockholder
April 29, 2026 at 12:36 pm
I Think you need to remember the story of
"The Emperor's New Clothes".
In the story, two swindlers (con artists) pose as weavers.
They claim to make magnificent clothes invisible
to anyone stupid or unfit for their job.
It represents a powerful metaphor for opposed,
unspoken truth versus popular opinion.
Negativity? Read the above again.
I'm sure we wouldn't be here
if we didn't Love the Packers
Ferrari-Driver
April 26, 2026 at 12:03 pm
By far the easiest name in our draft for me to remember is "Smack" I won't make any smart ass comments on the name, but I do like the possibility of replacing an aging 34 year old kicker who is scheduled to have a cap hit of $5.8 million with a strong legged youngster on a rookie contract who seems to have the potential to be a reliable replacement.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 26, 2026 at 09:01 pm
Come on, smart ass comments are what we live for!
Our opponents think they'll pick on our sixth round CB on first down? They'll be DOMANINATED!
Try to run on second down? DENY! With a TFL.
3rd and 20, they have to try to pass - DENY!!
Then they think they'll punt? DENIED!!!
Then we get first down and Moves Like Jagger does his Jaeger bombs straight up the middle, with Josh Jacobs running behind him and throwing people into the fifth row; a 500# bench press is no joke ...
Then if we ever need to make a FG there'll be a lot of talking Smack this year :)
PackerBackerAZ
April 26, 2026 at 06:50 pm
Assessing the 2026 draft class from strictly reading about them. I don't pretend that I've seen them play.
Cisse had trouble in coverage with locating, tracking and making plays on the ball. That will be compounded at the NFL level. Can coaching give him the techniques and enable him to become a good cover corner? I really like the fact that he has a defensive football mentality. He wants to hit somebody, unlike Valentine.
McClellan Has below average get off which is my only real concern. With coaching, he could very well become a really good nose tackle. He won't ever get a lot of splash plays, but he should be up to playing the position. He should be able to occupy double teams, play the run and push the pocket. Coaching will be the determining factor of his success.
Dennis-Sutton Looks to be a Van Ness clone. No pass rush other than a bull rush. Doesn't have the speed or bend to beat tackles off the edge. Seems ok against the run.
I think Gutekunst took Burton hoping he will be the backup center this season and, maybe, replace Rhyan in 27. Hope the Tom talk, as a HoF center, will now be put to rest.
Jackson has elite athleticism but got benched at Alabama his senior year. Hopefully, coaching can give him good fundamentals and technique to improve his play. Worry about his attitude.
Smack might be the best pick by Gutekunst in this draft. Can he kick in the cold of the frozen tundra come late November on?
If they can quickly coach up Cisse and McClellan, into good starters, and Smack can kick in the cold and wind of late fall and winter, this will be one of Gutekunst's best drafts. Hope springs eternal this time of year.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 26, 2026 at 09:04 pm
You need to watch film on the first 3 picks. They are GREAT players! 3 second rounders
PackerBackerAZ
April 27, 2026 at 03:22 pm
I'm guessing that all you watched were the highlight reels.
Starrbrite
April 27, 2026 at 08:31 pm
Yes indeed
golfpacker61
April 29, 2026 at 12:27 pm
"Dennis-Sutton Looks to be a Van Ness clone. No pass rush other than a bull rush. Doesn't have the speed or bend to beat tackles off the edge. Seems ok against the run."
DDS had 17 sacks the last 2 seasons with no dominant Edge across from him at Penn State. He played against the best competition in the Big 10. He is a tremendous athlete and plays to the whistle. I think he is good enough to start this year. He is nothing like LVN, other than measurables. And he has an extra coach in his corner in fellow Penn Stater, Micah Parsons.
heyjoe4
May 03, 2026 at 07:04 am
At least from first appearances, this was a v good draft by Gluten and his team. Love the Cisse pick, and ecstatic that Dennis-Sutton fell to #102 when a lot of us, including me, had him being taken at #52. Gluten didn't have to move up to get him.
And McLellan looks like a great fit at NT or iDL or whatever it's called. Smack was a gutsy move, but they got the so-called best K in the draft. Smack has a big leg to go with a great name. Here's to a long, successful career in GB!