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Packers Trade Up, Draft Cisse and McClellan

4/26/2026

Summary

Packers Draft

The Packers drafted cornerback Brandon Cisse (52) and defensive tackle Chris McClellan (77) in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Packers traded picks 84 and 160 to Tampa Bay, moving up seven spots for the 77th selection.
Cisse, 20, posted 27 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception and five pass break-ups at South Carolina.
McClellan, 22, recorded 48 tackles, eight tackles for loss and eight sacks while weighing 313 lb last season.

Summary

Packers Target McClellan

Packers target Isaiah McClellan to fill the void after losing Kenny Clark, TJ Slaton and Colby Wooden and with Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks in contract years and Javon Hargrave on a two-year deal.
GM Brian Gutekunst said McClellan’s ability to play nose, three-technique and rush the passer gives coordinator Jonathan Gannon extra flexibility.
McClellan trained with Brandon Jordan during spring break and led film sessions at Missouri.
The Packers keep No. 120 fourth-round and No. 153 fifth-round picks.

History

Historical Context

In the 1995 NFL draft, the Green Bay Packers used their third pick (66th overall) to select fullback William Henderson, and that season they finished 11-5, won the NFC Central but lost the NFC Championship. Anchored by quarterback Brett Favre, the roster laid the groundwork for the Super Bowl XXXI win the next year, a template the 2026 front office still follows.

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Packers Draft

The Packers drafted cornerback Brandon Cisse (52) and defensive tackle Chris McClellan (77) in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Packers traded picks 84 and 160 to Tampa Bay, moving up seven spots for the 77th selection.
Cisse, 20, posted 27 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception and five pass break-ups at South Carolina.
McClellan, 22, recorded 48 tackles, eight tackles for loss and eight sacks while weighing 313 lb last season.

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