3 Packers rookies with the clearest path to making an immediate impact during what could be a defining 2026 season
Green Bay made six draft picks in 2026, and some of these players can have important roles from the get go.
The Green Bay Packers entered the 2026 NFL Draft without a first-round pick after trading it to acquire Micah Parsons last season. General manager Brian Gutekunst still managed to make six selections and sign several undrafted free agents.
The question now is which rookies will contribute the most to the Packers roster this season. Second-round cornerback Brandon Cisse has the highest ceiling of the bunch, but he profiles as a developmental player whose impact may come later. Three other rookies stand out as candidates to make a real difference in their first year.
DT Chris McClellan, third round
The Packers moved up seven spots in the third round to select McClellan, and the early returns from the offseason program suggest he’s already earning significant trust. McClellan has taken reps with the first-team defense at both nose tackle and defensive tackle, and that versatility is a major reason Green Bay targeted him.
The need along the interior defensive line is obvious. Over the past two offseasons, the Packers lost Kenny Clark, T.J. Slaton, and Colby Wooden through trades and free agency. Green Bay signed veteran Javon Hargrave to help fill the void, but McClellan addresses a specific gap the roster still has. The Packers’ current interior linemen lean more toward pass-rushing specialists who can pressure the quarterback but struggle against the run. McClellan’s ability to contribute as both a run defender and an interior rusher makes him a valuable addition from Day 1.
K Trey Smack, sixth round
Smack is the one rookie from this class who is essentially guaranteed a roster spot and a starting role. The Packers dealt with inconsistency at kicker throughout 2025, particularly from Brandon McManus during the playoff loss to the Chicago Bears. Green Bay needs stability at the position.
The franchise went through a similar situation three years ago when it drafted Anders Carlson in the sixth round. Carlson struggled badly as a rookie and never established himself. Smack had a stronger college career in terms of efficiency than Carlson did, and the Packers are banking on that translating to the NFL. Given the investment and the lack of competition, Smack will be Green Bay’s kicker when the regular season opens. The expectation is that he performs at a higher level than what the team got from the position last season.
IOL Jager Burton, fifth round
The third spot on this list was a close call. Fourth-round edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton could carve out a rotational role, especially during the first month of the season while Parsons recovers from an ACL injury. But the Packers have several young developmental edge defenders already on the roster, which limits Dennis-Sutton’s standalone impact.
Burton, the interior offensive lineman, has a clearer path to meaningful snaps. Drafted as a long-term center, he has shown the ability to play multiple spots along the interior. During OTAs, Burton lined up at right guard when the Packers shifted Anthony Belton to get reps at right tackle. During mandatory minicamp, he moved to left guard after Aaron Banks was unavailable. That positional flexibility creates a scenario where Burton can step in whenever an injury or competition opens a door at center, left guard, or right guard.
Head coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged that Burton can compete for playing time as a rookie, which speaks to the coaching staff’s confidence in what they’ve seen so far.