Full Breakdown
Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft: Packers, Lions, and Steelers Shape Their Late-Round Strategies
4/25/2026, 10:56:17 PM
Day 3 Overview
Saturday, April 25, marked the final draft day (Rounds 4-7). The Green Bay Packers entered with five selections—one each in Rounds 4-6 and two in Round 7. The Detroit Lions held six picks (Rounds 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7), while the Pittsburgh Steelers had five (Rounds 4, 5, 7, 7, 7). Broadcasts aired on NFL Network, ESPN, and ABC; streaming was available via NFL+ and the ESPN app.
Background & Context
Day 2 saw a historic scarcity of running backs (only three through the first 100 picks) and a surge of wide receivers (17) and tight ends (9). The Packers attempted to trade up into the late third round but “were unable to find a partner,” prompting a focus on immediate depth at cornerback and the defensive line. The Steelers, after a first-round pick at offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, used Day 2 to add a wide receiver, a developmental quarterback, a versatile cornerback, and a guard—positions identified as critical after free-agency departures.
Key Teams & Selections
- Green Bay Packers:
- #52 Brandon Cisse, CB, expected to compete for snaps immediately.
- #77 Chris McClellan, DL, praised for positional versatility.
- #120 Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, described as “athletic and productive” and still available after Day 2.
- Detroit Lions:
- Six Day 3 picks (118, 157, 181, 205, 213, 222 overall). Specific player names were not disclosed in the sources, but the volume underscores a strategy to bulk up multiple position groups.
- Pittsburgh Steelers:
- WR Germie Bernard (Alabama) – praised for passion, faith, and commitment.
- QB Drew Allar (Penn State) – noted for an “effortless arm” and athleticism.
- CB Daylen Everette (Georgia) – highlighted for size and seriousness.
- G Gennings Dunker (Iowa) – projected as a guard to fill a vacancy opposite Mason McCormick.
Data & Statistics
- Packers: 5 Day 3 picks (CB, DL, EDGE, plus two later-round selections).
- Lions: 6 Day 3 picks, the most of any team on the final day.
- Steelers: 5 Day 3 picks, completing a 9-player draft class (largest since 2010).
- Overall draft trends through Round 3: 17 WRs, 9 TEs, 3 RBs, and a notable drop of edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton to Round 4.
Why It Matters
The Packers’ immediate-impact cornerback and versatile lineman address depth concerns highlighted after the first two rounds. The Lions’ six selections give them flexibility to fill multiple roster gaps before training camp. The Steelers’ blend of skill-position depth and a guard upgrade aims to solidify a roster that lost key offensive linemen in free agency and still lacks a clear quarterback successor.
Official Statements & Responses
- Packers GM Brian Gutekunst confirmed the team “tried to move back into the end of round three but could not find a partner.”
- Steelers OC Brian Angelichio emphasized Bernard’s “passion, faith, and commitment.”
- Steelers QB coach Tom Arth highlighted Allar’s “effortless arm” and overall athleticism.
- Steelers OL coach James Campen described Dunker as “an aggressive kid” with strong focus and intent.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts noted the Packers missed an early opportunity to select edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton on Day 2, leaving a high-ranking prospect on the board. The Steelers faced criticism for not drafting a quarterback in the early rounds, a decision linked to the “poorly” performed 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Brian Gutekunst said on Friday night that they were trying to move back into the end of round three but were unable to find a partner.” — Brian Gutekunst, Packers GM
- “Just his passion, his faith, his commitment, those really stood out to me,” — Brian Angelichio, Steelers Offensive Coordinator
What’s Next
As the draft concludes, each franchise will integrate its Day 3 selections into offseason programs, evaluating how the new players address identified roster needs.
