Packers GM talks CB Brandon Cisse, DL Chris McClellan

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst stayed put and took South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse at No. 52 overall in the second round and then traded up to No. 77 overall to select Missouri defensive tackle Chris McClellan in the third round during Friday's Day 2 of the 2026 draft.

Gutekunst said he didn't think Cisse would be available to the Packers at No. 52, and McClellan was actually in a group of players the Packers were considering in the second round.

"I'm really excited about these two guys," Gutekunst said. "They can really help our football team. I think they have really bright futures ahead of them. They were really good players in college, good teammates. I think they are going to fit here really well. I think these two guys are wired right for that."

On Cisse: "He's one of the few guys that can play off man, can play press. His suddenness through transition is something that stood out to us. He's very young, we think his best football is ahead of him. We think he's got so much left in the tank not only as a player but physically as well, he'll get bigger and stronger...really like the fact that he took the step and went to South Carolina last year, better competition, and really showed well this past year."

Gutekunst didn't sound worried about Cisse, who declared after only three collegiate seasons, being only 20 years old. He doesn't turn 21 until July.

"We've always tried to take guys that we think have more left in development. He played at a high level and we think he can help us next year and we think his upside is really good. There's not a lot of 20-year-olds in the draft. We took one one time named Kenny Clark. That worked out pretty well. Hopefully, this works out that well. No hesitation."

After addressing the long-term need at corner in the second round, Gutekunst attacked the need at defensive tackle 25 picks later -- trading up to get McClellin.

Versatility and pass-rushing potential set him apart.

On McClellin: "He played in the SEC. He's a huge man. Has excellent length. I think for me, the combination of being able to play the nose, the three, and actually rush the passer. There's a lot of these guys that don't do that. He can. And that set him apart a little bit for us."