Monday Cheese Curds: Reviews on Packers’ draft class are largely positive

TL;DR

The Green Bay Packers had a small but talented NFL Draft class, receiving positive reviews for addressing key roster needs. General manager Brian Gutekunst's strategy focused on quality over quantity, with all six picks having potential for early playing time.

Key points

Packers had their smallest draft class in over two decades
General manager Brian Gutekunst focused on quality over quantity
All six draft picks have potential for early playing time
Brandon Cisse was a key selection in round two
Draft reviews from analysts are largely positive

Mentioned in this story

Brian Gutekunst

Dani Dennis-SuttonGreen Bay PackersArizona Cardinals

Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Green Bay Packers put together their smallest NFL Draft class in more than two decades, but this group of players is hardly short on talent or value. General manager Brian Gutekunst’s long weekend got started with a quiet Thursday night, thanks to the team having traded its first-round pick, but once Friday arrived the team got off and running. The Brandon Cisse pick in round two looks like an ideal fit of player, need, and value, and those qualities continued to define the class as a whole. When all was said and done, the Packers had addressed virtually every significant need position on the roster, aside from one or two really fringe areas like a backup in-line tight end. And they even managed to get a favorite prospect among Packers fans at an absurd value when they stopped Dani Dennis-Sutton’s fall in the fourth round. The reviews of the draft class are coming in, and at least among those who cover the team, they are almost uniformly positive. That’s not something that every NFL team can say and while it’s not necessarily a sign that it will end up being a good class, having those who have covered the draft for years say that a team’s process is sound is hardly a bad thing. Now let’s get to work welcoming the newest Packers to Green Bay. Every one of the Packers’ six picks has a potential pathway to early playing time. The one with the longest shot might be 5th-rounder Jager Burton, but he could even be just one injury away from seeing game action. The how was actually pretty simple for most of the draft: they let the board come to them, and they moved up (or tried to) when the felt a player who could help them right away was falling. This year was a masterclass in addressing needs without reaching significantly. Gutekunst’s two moves up suggested that quality was more important than quantity in a draft that was generally viewed as weaker than usual. Tex and Justis break down the draft in audio format. The Packers get a B+ here, though the days that they actually made picks both get grades in the A range, so sure, why not. Well he *was* the greatest matador until this incident perforated his rectum, a phrase that I didn’t know existed but that will now haunt me until the end of time.

Q&A

What are the key highlights of the Packers' 2026 NFL Draft class?

The Packers' draft class is noted for its talent and value, addressing significant roster needs with all six picks having pathways to early playing time.

Who is Brandon Cisse and why is he significant for the Packers?

Brandon Cisse, picked in the second round, is seen as an ideal fit for the Packers, aligning with their needs and adding value to the team.

What was the general consensus on the Packers' draft strategy?

The consensus is that the Packers effectively prioritized quality over quantity, letting the draft board guide their decisions and moving up for key players.

How did the Packers' draft class compare to other NFL teams?

Reviews indicate that the Packers' draft class is viewed positively, a sentiment not universally shared among all NFL teams, reflecting a sound process.