The Green Bay Packers added two players on the second day of the 2026 NFL Draft. The priority for GM Brian Gutekunst has been on defense after emphasizing offense with each of his top three picks a year ago. In the second round, the Packers added cornerback Brandon Cisse out of South Carolina. One round later, they traded up to select defensive tackle Chris McClellan of Missouri. The Packers also signed a key offensive player to an extension before day two of the draft got under way. Here are ten things we learned from day two of the Packers 2026 NFL Draft:
Ten Things We Learned from Day Two of the Packers 2026 NFL Draft, Number One: CB Brandon Cisse Is Young
The Packers held on to the 52nd overall pick and selected Cisse, the 6’0” 196-pound cornerback out of South Carolina.
Gutekunst tends to avoid older players in the earlier rounds of the draft if he can help it and he did that again with Cisse. He played only three years of college football and entered the draft after his junior year. Cisse spent two seasons at NC State before transferring to South Carolina for the 2025 campaign.
Cisse is only 20 years old. He will not be able to legally buy a drink until July 3rd.
Number Two: He Was a Multisport Athlete in High School
Cisse played both offense and defense at Lakewood High School. He was also a multi-sport athlete. In addition to football, he also earned letters in basketball and track, running in sprints and relays.
Ten Things We Learned from Day Two of the Packers 2026 NFL Draft, Number Three: He Plays Better in Man Coverage
Scouts believe Cisse plays better in man coverage than in zone. He will have to improve his zone coverage technique to excel in the NFL. Cisse ran a 4.41 40-yard dash on his pro day. He has good leaping ability and likes to engage receivers one-on-one. He moves well in all directions and has the speed to keep up with fast receivers downfield.
Scouts feel he can play on the boundary or in the slot but will be better suited to the boundary.
He likes to be physical off the snap of the ball and challenge receivers before they start their routes. He also has the catch-up speed to recover when he gets beaten.
Number Four: Cisse Can Tackle
The Packers have had too many cornerbacks who hesitate to make tackles against the run. That will not be an issue for Cisse.
He has the skills and is willing to fight through blocks to tackle running backs. Too many Packers cornerbacks have made “business decisions” not to make tackles. That should not be an issue with Cisse.
Ten Things We Learned from Day Two of the Packers 2026 NFL Draft, Number Five: Chris McClellan Has Some Pass Rush Potential
The Packers moved up seven spots in the third round to take McClellan. The Packers traded the 84th pick in this year’s draft plus the 160th overall selection to move up to 77th overall to draft McClellan.
McClellan has the potential to become one of those rare defensive tackles who can put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The 6’4” 323-pound Missouri alum recorded 6.5 sacks and made eight tackles for loss in his senior season. He made only 4.5 sacks total over his first three collegiate seasons.
He continued to learn additional moves and techniques in college although he still needs to refine his secondary moves as a pass rusher. The talent is there, now he must refine it.
Number Six: McClellan’s Father Was Also a Football Player
McClellan’s father also played football in both high school and college. His dad, Kenny, played quarterback in high school before converting to wide receiver at Mississippi State.
Initially, Chris didn’t love football, but when he realized where the sport could take him, he dedicated himself to the game.
Ten Things We Learned from Day Two of the Packers 2026 NFL Draft, Number Seven: His High School Has Some Famous Alumni
McClellan attended Edison Preparatory School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Other famous alumni there include former Saturday Night Live star and comedian Bill Hader and wrestler and former NFL player Bill Goldberg.
Number Eight: McClellan Needs Polish
McClellan has big hands and can hold his own against run blockers. His ability to diagnose plays and get to the right position has improved with each season, but he still needs to improve in that area.
He is considered a hard worker and gets along well with his teammates. If he can learn to shed blocks a little better and continue to improve his technique, he can develop into an every-down player at either zero or one-technique.
Ten Things We Learned from Day Two of the Packers 2026 NFL Draft, Number Nine: The Packers Also Extended Jayden Reed
On Friday afternoon, the Packers announced they had signed wide receiver Jayden Reed to a three-year contract extension worth $50 million. Reed was about to enter the final year of his rookie contract.
Reed struggled through an injury riddled 2025 season but led the Packers in catches in both 2023 and 2024 operating primarily out of the slot.
This extension reduced the team’s immediate need to draft a wide receiver on day two. Gutekunst still needs to negotiate extensions with wideout Christian Watson and tight end Tucker Kraft.
Number 10: The Packers Still Have Needs to Fill
Gutekunst still has needs to address on day three. The Packers haven’t added an offensive lineman. The team knows who their starters are, but depth remains an issue. Look for at least two to be selected on day three.
The Packers may also look for more help at cornerback, a true nose tackle along the defensive line, a tight end and a running back. We could still see a day three quarterback.
Don’t be surprised if Gutekunst adds some picks on day three by trading back in one or more rounds.
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