The Green Bay Packers’ 2026 draft class is taking shape ahead of training camp, and the early returns from the offseason program suggest the Packers may have found immediate contributors on both defensive and offensive line. With six picks spread across the second through sixth rounds, general manager Brian Gutekunst’s latest group ranges from developmental long-term projects to rookies already pushing for meaningful snaps in Jonathan Gannon’s defense and Matt LaFleur’s offense.

Brandon Cisse settling into expected developmental role

Second-round cornerback Brandon Cisse has not yet cracked the starting rotation, and that was always the likely outcome. Green Bay’s cornerback room has an established hierarchy with Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine at the boundary spots and Javon Bullard in the slot. Cornerback is a position that demands fewer in-game substitutions than others, so Cisse has spent the majority of his reps with the second team. The talent is there, but this was a long-term investment from the start. Expecting a significant rookie-year role would misread the Packers’ timeline for his development.

Chris McClellan already earning first-team reps

Third-round defensive tackle Chris McClellan is a different story. The defensive line rotates heavily, and McClellan has taken advantage of that by logging reps with the starters during the offseason program. The intriguing part is his alignment versatility. McClellan has played both the nose tackle and defensive tackle spots in Gannon’s scheme, an impressive range for a rookie third-rounder. Green Bay made its feelings clear when it traded up to select him, and the early returns validate that aggressiveness.

Dani Dennis-Sutton carving out a rotational path

Fourth-round edge defender Dani Dennis-Sutton has played mostly with the second team but has mixed in some first-team reps and consistently generated pressure. The level of competition against backups comes with a caveat, especially without pads, but Dennis-Sutton’s activity stands out. His value could rise early in the regular season. With Micah Parsons still recovering from an ACL injury and set to miss the first games of the year, the Packers will rely on Lukas Van Ness and Barryn Sorrell as the starting edges. Dennis-Sutton projects as a valuable rotational piece during that stretch.

Jager Burton flashing 3-position versatility

The fifth-round pick may be the most promising member of this class. Interior offensive lineman Jager Burton was drafted primarily as a center, but his early work suggests he can do much more. When Green Bay moved Anthony Belton to right tackle (with Zach Tom still recovering from a knee injury), Burton stepped in at right guard. Then during mandatory minicamp, Aaron Banks was sidelined, and Burton took snaps at left guard. That ability to play all three interior spots is a major calling card and likely the reason general manager Brian Gutekunst targeted him in the first place. Versatile interior linemen who can contribute across the front are enormously valuable for roster construction.

Domani Jackson and Trey Smack rounding out the class

Sixth-round cornerback Damani Jackson falls into the same developmental category as Cisse. He has not earned starter reps and projects as a special teamer and depth piece for the early portion of his career.

The other sixth-rounder, kicker Trey Smack, has had a rough offseason program. Several misses have left him trailing veteran Lucas Havrisik in the early competition. Smack does carry an advantage in draft capital after the Packers traded two seventh-round picks to move back into the sixth round for the top kicker in the class. He will have time throughout training camp to recover, but the offseason program has not been easy for the rookie. Green Bay needs a better showing from Smack before the preseason if the investment is going to pay off on schedule.