For years, NFL draft analysts thought they had the Green Bay Packers' philosophy all figured out—until last year's unexpected picks forced a complete rethink. But in 2026, Brian Gutekunst and his team returned to form, sticking closely to their tried-and-true blueprint while addressing roster needs and finding value.
That's not a criticism. This year's draft class felt familiar, almost predictable, which is exactly what Packers fans have come to expect. The selections followed the usual patterns: athletic testing thresholds, positional preferences, and a clear eye for fit. But there were a few subtle twists worth noting—especially when you look at the influence of Jon-Eric Sullivan's recent work with the Miami Dolphins.
Take cornerback Brandon Cisse, for example. He becomes the first cornerback the Packers have drafted in the first five rounds since 2005 who skipped the 3-cone drill. While that might raise eyebrows, his shuttle time—though below average—matched that of 2021 first-round pick Eric Stokes. The difference? It's not about poor results, but about players increasingly choosing which drills to participate in. That's just the new reality of the draft landscape.
Similarly, Domani Jackson is the first cornerback Green Bay has selected who didn't complete either agility drill. Again, the trend here isn't about failing tests—it's about testing optionality. As more prospects pick and choose their combine events, the Packers are adapting without abandoning their core principles.
The most surprising pick based on athletic testing was defensive tackle Chris McClellan. Reports indicated he posted the worst 3-cone score of any defensive tackle the Packers have drafted in two decades, combined with a poor shuttle time. That would be unprecedented for a Green Bay defensive line pick. But there's a catch: some dispute whether McClellan actually performed the agility drills at all. His scores appear on the Relative Athletic Score (RAS) site, but they're absent from Dane Brugler's exhaustive draft guide, "The Beast." Given Brugler's reputation for accuracy, and the lack of any pro day reports confirming the drills, it's possible the data is simply wrong. The RAS site itself had issues this year with incorrect player heights and unupdated pro day results, so a grain of salt is warranted.
What does all this mean for Packers fans? The draft philosophy is alive and well, but it's evolving. Gutekunst still values athleticism, versatility, and football character—but he's also willing to adapt when the data is unclear or when a player's tape speaks louder than a stopwatch. And with Sullivan bringing fresh perspectives from Miami, the Packers are learning to blend their traditional approach with modern trends. For a team that prides itself on consistency, that's a winning formula.