The Green Bay Packers’ 2026 NFL draft class has ignited a fierce debate across the league, with ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. delivering a harsh C+ grade that has left the team’s passionate fan base and analysts alike questioning the evaluation. In a detailed breakdown released just days after the draft concluded, Kiper’s assessment stands in stark contrast to the more favorable grades from other major outlets, creating a storm of controversy over the Packers’ six selections. The grade, which mirrors the C+ Kiper gave the Packers last year, has been met with sharp criticism from those who believe the front office executed a masterful strategy despite lacking a first-round pick.
The Packers entered the draft with significant pressure to address glaring roster weaknesses, particularly at cornerback, defensive tackle, and edge rusher. With only six picks and no selection in the first round, general manager Brian Gutekunst and his staff faced an uphill battle to fill critical holes. Kiper’s grade suggests they fell short, but a closer examination of the picks reveals a nuanced story that many believe deserves a much higher mark. The team’s first pick at 52 overall, cornerback Brandon Joseph, has been widely praised as a steal, with Kiper himself acknowledging Joseph was the best cornerback available at that point in the draft.
Joseph’s selection was a direct response to the Packers’ struggles in the secondary last season, where cornerbacks consistently failed to anticipate routes and struggled when turning their backs to the football. Kiper noted that Joseph’s awareness is special, as he anticipates well and closes quickly with long arms to break up passes. In 2025, Joseph allowed less than a 50 percent completion rate, a sub-80 quarterback rating, and only one touchdown, making him an ideal fit for a defense that desperately needed a reliable outside corner. The pick was met with immediate approval from Packers analysts, who argued that Joseph could compete for a starting job in 2026.
The second pick, defensive tackle Chris McClellan, was selected in the third round after the Packers traded up to secure him. Kiper viewed this as a slight reach, but McClellan’s six sacks last season demonstrate his ability to generate interior pressure, a critical need for a defensive line that struggled to collapse pockets. The value of the pick is bolstered by the fact that McClellan was graded as a late third or early fourth round prospect, meaning the Packers only moved up slightly to land him. His addition provides much-needed depth and rotational capability alongside established veterans.
Edge rusher Deniedden a Sun, selected in the fourth round, was perhaps the most celebrated pick of the draft. Kiper graded him as a second or third round talent, making his fall to the fourth a significant value grab. Sun is expected to be a rotational pass rusher who can immediately contribute to a unit that lacked consistent pressure off the edge. The Packers’ ability to address all three of their biggest needs with their first three picks, each at reasonable or excellent value, has led many to question why Kiper’s grade was so low.
The later rounds saw the Packers add depth and special teams value. Fifth round pick Jagar Burton was graded as a fifth or sixth round talent, making his selection appropriate. Sixth round pick Demani Jackson, graded as a sixth or seventh round prospect, offers outside cornerback depth. The most intriguing late pick was kicker Trey Smack, selected in the sixth round after the Packers traded back into the draft. Smack was graded as a sixth round talent and is considered the best kicker in the class, signaling that the team is prepared to challenge veteran Brandon McManus for the starting job.
Kiper’s overall grade of C+ appears to be heavily influenced by the Packers’ lack of a first round pick and the perception that none of the selections, outside of Joseph, project as long-term starters. However, this criticism ignores the reality of the Packers’ roster construction. The team already has established starters at most positions, and the draft was primarily about adding depth and competition. For a team that made the playoffs in 2025 and has a young core, the need for immediate starters was minimal, making the draft class more about building for the future.
Other draft analysts have offered significantly higher grades. Dane Brugler ranked the Packers 26th out of 32 teams, placing them in the bottom fifth, but Bleacher Report gave them a B, Chat Sports awarded a B-, and CBS Sports assigned a B+. The disparity highlights the subjective nature of draft grading, with national analysts often lacking the intimate knowledge of team rosters that local beat reporters possess. Packers analysts who cover the team daily have overwhelmingly praised the draft, with many giving it an A-.
The controversy over Kiper’s grade is not isolated to the Packers. His evaluations of other teams have also sparked debate, with some grades appearing inconsistent. For example, Kiper gave the Cleveland Browns an A for their draft, while the Minnesota Vikings received a C, which many consider too generous given their struggles. The Packers’ grade, however, has drawn the most attention due to the passionate fan base and the team’s high expectations for the 2026 season.
The Packers’ draft strategy was shaped by their unique position in the league. With a young quarterback and a roster that is competitive but not dominant, the front office focused on addressing specific needs without reaching for players. The decision to trade up for McClellan and to target Smack in the sixth round demonstrates a willingness to be aggressive when necessary. The lack of a first round pick was a handicap, but the team maximized its limited capital by selecting players who fit their system and have high upside.
The reaction from Packers fans has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing excitement about Joseph’s potential to anchor the secondary. The selection of Sun in the fourth round has been particularly popular, as he is seen as a player who could develop into a consistent pass rusher. The addition of Smack has also been well-received, as it addresses a long-standing weakness at kicker. The overall sentiment is that the Packers improved their roster significantly, even if Kiper disagrees.
The debate over draft grades is ultimately academic, as the true measure of success will not be known for several years. However, the immediate reaction to Kiper’s grade has been one of disbelief and frustration. The Packers’ front office has a track record of finding talent in the later rounds, and many believe this class could be one of their best in recent memory. The team’s ability to address all of its major needs with value picks suggests that Kiper’s C+ may be an outlier.
As the off-season continues, the focus will shift to undrafted free agents and training camp battles. The Packers are expected to sign several undrafted players to fill out their roster, and the competition for starting jobs will be intense. Joseph is likely to compete for a starting cornerback spot, while McClellan and Sun will vie for rotational roles. Smack will challenge McManus for the kicking job, adding another layer of intrigue.
The broader NFL landscape has also been shaped by the draft, with several teams receiving high marks from Kiper. The Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, and Las Vegas Raiders all received A grades, while the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets were also praised. The Packers’ grade, however, stands out as a point of contention, with many arguing that the team deserved a higher mark given the constraints they faced.
The Packers’ draft class is a testament to the front office’s ability to adapt and find value. By focusing on need and value, they have positioned themselves for success in 2026 and beyond. The criticism from Kiper may sting in the short term, but the team’s track record suggests that they know what they are doing. As the season approaches, the true test will be on the field, where these players will have the opportunity to prove their worth.
The Packers’ fan base, which has grown to over 30,000 subscribers on the Packers Portal channel, is eager to see how this draft class performs. The daily coverage of the team will continue throughout the off-season, with analysis of undrafted free agents and training camp battles. The excitement is palpable, and the belief is that this class could be a cornerstone for future success.
In the end, Mel Kiper’s grade is just one opinion, and the Packers have every reason to be confident in their selections. The team addressed its biggest needs, found value in the later rounds, and added depth to a roster that is already competitive. The debate over the grade will continue, but the only opinion that matters is the one that will be formed on the field. The 2026 season cannot come soon enough for Packers fans, who are eager to see their new draft class in action.
Expert analysis is dividing fans on how successful this class really is.
