Dane Brugler ranks Packers 2026 draft class 26th out 32 NFL teams

Dane Brugler of The Athletic liked several of the picks made by the Green Bay Packers during the 2026 NFL draft, but the author of "The Beast" draft guide still ranked the Packers' six-player draft class as the 26th best class out of the 32 NFL teams.

Why did Brugler rank the Packers so low? His introduction to the rankings provides an important clue: "Naturally, teams that made multiple first-round picks or a larger volume of picks have a better chance of being higher on this list."

The Packers didn't have a first-round pick and had to wait until the 52nd pick in the second round to take a player, and due to two trades up the board, Brian Gutekunst ended up selecting only six players. No premium pick and a lack of volume probably doomed the Packers for Brugler (and many other analysts instantly grading the draft).

Brugler highlighted fourth-round pick Dani Dennis-Sutton as his favorite pick in the Packers' class.

"Brandon Cisse was a quality pick (especially outside the top 50), and Chris McClellan should be a solid role player for a long time. But Dennis-Sutton’s value at No. 120 makes him my favorite of the Packers’ haul. Although he doesn’t perform up to his testing numbers, he is a commanding presence who plays with force on defense and special teams (blocked three punts in 2025)."

His Day 3 pick who would surprise was fifth-round pick Jager Burton.

"The Packers have an established starting five on the offensive line, but Burton started double-digit games at both guard and center in college and will be an immediate swing lineman on the interior."

Despite not having a first-round pick, the Packers picked two players inside Brugler's top 70 players -- Cisse (No. 45) and Dennis-Sutton (No. 60). In the third round, the Packers traded up for Chris McClellan, bypassing Domonique Orange, Brugler's No. 64 player. Still, Brugler ranked McClellan as a third- or fourth-round pick, so his selection at No. 77 was in line with the ranking.