Packers make Brandon Cisse their 1st pick in 2026 NFL Draft

Packers’ GM Brian Gutekunst chose not to force a move into the first round of this year’s draft.

He observed that jumping up from pick No. 52 would have been “quite expensive,” so he was content to let Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan handle the more significant trades on the board.

Gutekunst prioritized long-term value over a flashy Day 1 entrance, waiting for the draft board to fall in his favor as it moved into Friday evening.

The anticipation surrounding Green Bay’s first selection finally came to fruition in the second round with the pick of Brandon Cisse, as reported by Ian Rapoport on X.

As the first player added to the 2026 class, Cisse is expected to provide an immediate boost to a secondary that has been seeking more twitchy athleticism on the perimeter.

The NC State standout caught the attention of the front office with his ability to play both inside and outside, offering the kind of “chess piece” versatility that modern NFL coordinators highly value.

Gutekunst and the scouting staff clearly prioritized his explosive closing speed and his ability to generate pass breakups in high-pressure moments.

Cisse represents a commitment to finding high-ceiling defenders who can match the speed of the NFC North’s dangerous receiving corps, making him the highlight of the Packers’ draft weekend.

Securing the roster went beyond the draft on Friday. The Packers also officially signed wide receiver Jayden Reed to a three-year, $50.25 million contract extension.

According to Adam Schefter, the deal includes $20 million guaranteed and keeps the Michigan State standout in Green Bay alongside Christian Watson and Tucker Kraft.

Despite missing 10 games last season due to a collarbone injury, Reed managed to record 207 yards and a touchdown. This extension confirms his status as a cornerstone of the offense for the foreseeable future.

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