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Packers Finish Day 3 with Five Picks, Trade Up for McClellin

4/25/2026

Summary

Packers Draft Moves

The Green Bay Packers will enter Day 3 of the 2026 NFL draft with five selections, including two seventh-round picks.
They traded a fifth-round pick to move up for defensive lineman Chris McClellin.
On Day 2 they selected cornerback Brandon Cisse at #52 and defensive lineman Chris McClellan at #77.
General manager Brian Gutekunst said they tried to move back into round 3 but found no partner.

Summary

Gannon Shapes Draft

Ed Policy assumed the Packers’ chief-executive role last summer, making this the first draft under his leadership.
Jonathan Gannon, the new defensive coordinator, used his inaugural draft picks to build a 3-4 base front.
Gannon’s scheme emphasizes coverage disguises and more defensive backs, prompting the team to prioritize versatile DBs.
The third-round pick of defensive tackle Chris McClellan provides a nose-tackle who can also play three-technique and rush the passer.

Summary

Packers Add Specialists

The Packers’ Day 3 selections add six players with explicit special-teams experience, expanding coordinator Cam Achord’s options.
Offensive lineman Brian Parker II (No. 120) will shift inside and block on punt-protection units.
Running back Nicholas Singleton (No. 153) is praised for his kickoff-return skill set.
Wide receiver Josh Cameron (fifth round) averaged 20.7 yards per punt return in 2024 and recorded a 70-yard return in 2023.

History

Historical Context

In the 1995 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers chose fullback William Henderson with the 66th overall pick, a third-round selection that launched a 13-season career. The success of that mid-round find echoed later picks such as Donald Driver in the seventh round of 1999 and several 2000 starters, reinforcing the Packers’ long-term strategy of extracting value beyond early rounds.

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Packers Draft Moves

The Green Bay Packers will enter Day 3 of the 2026 NFL draft with five selections, including two seventh-round picks.
They traded a fifth-round pick to move up for defensive lineman Chris McClellin.
On Day 2 they selected cornerback Brandon Cisse at #52 and defensive lineman Chris McClellan at #77.
General manager Brian Gutekunst said they tried to move back into round 3 but found no partner.

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