The Green Bay Packers‘ 2026 NFL Draft is in the books.
They focused heavily on all their perceived top roster needs, particularly on the defensive side. Four of their six picks came on defense, and each of them should have the opportunity to contribute right off the bat.
Like with every draft class, some picks will be praised, and others criticized. The Packers received a big compliment for one of their selections, but were faulted to a move that they didn’t make.
Green Bay Packers Commended for Draft Value of EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton
GettyEdge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton.
NFL analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid of ESPN shared several opinions about the draft on Monday. When asked which team he believes got the best value during the fourth round, Miller chose the Packers landing Dennis-Sutton at No. 120 overall.
“EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton to the Packers. I’d love to take Jermod McCoy like Jordan did below, but let’s highlight Dennis-Sutton’s value. My No. 56 overall player fell to the Packers at pick No. 120 and will immediately boost the outside pass rush. With Micah Parsons’ return date unknown, Dennis-Sutton will have a chance to play early.”
Given the impressive production during his collegiate career at Penn State, it is puzzling how Dennis-Sutton slid to the middle of the fourth round. He should compete for a starting role immediately, and at the least will be a key part of the Packers’ rotational pass rush.
Dennis-Sutton recorded 84 total tackles 17 sacks in his final two years with the Nittany Lions. His pro comp is Danielle Hunter, who is a two-time All-Pro and has 114.5 career sacks. If Dennis-Sutton comes anywhere close to that, Green Bay may have gotten not only the best value of the fourth round, but the steal of the entire draft.
Packers Criticized for Not Drafting QB
GettyQB Kyron Drones
Unfortunately, Green Bay didn’t make it through the draft without a gripe. When asked which team should have done a better job of addressing the quarterback position, Reid pointed out the Packers.
“The Packers usually take a QB during the late rounds, so I’m surprised they didn’t select one considering this was a draft to find a long-term backup. But with only six picks, they elected not to add to their QB room that isn’t exactly secure at the backup spots (Desmond Ridder and Kyle McCord) after losing Malik Willis in free agency.”
Oddly, Reid answered his own question when he said that Green Bay had just six picks. With so many other needs to address, it just didn’t make sense to use a pick on a quarterback. The Packers did sign undrafted free agent quarterback Kyron Drones over the weekend, who has similar traits to former backup Malik Willis.
McCord and Ridder also have upside. At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, McCord is an aggressive passer who looks to push the ball down field. Ridder brings a lot of experience to the table with 18 career starts under his belt, throwing for 4,002 yards, 16 TDs, and 14 interceptions. He possesses good short to intermediate passing accuracy, and is deceptively athletic.
Packers Receive 1 Compliment and 1 Criticism for 2026 Draft Class