The 2026 NFL Draft wrapped up a few days ago, but the analysis of each and every pick continues on. Earlier this week, ESPN's Field Yates broke down some of his favorite picks in this year's draft, going round by round in doing so. Matt Miller also added some of the best 100 picks of this year's draft.
Included in their lists are two South Carolina Gamecocks, highlighting the Green Bay Packers selecting Brandon Cisse in the second round, and the Los Angeles Chargers getting defensive lineman Nick Barrett in the fifth.Â
"The Packers needed length at cornerback while also getting younger and better at the position," Miller writes on the pick. "Cisse is a press-man dream with 4.41 speed and 31â…œ-inch arm length. With Keisean Nixon in the final year of his deal, Cisse could be in for an early starting role.Â
Grabbing him 20 spots later than he was ranked shows that GM Brian Gutekunst is still one of the league's best at attacking value and drafting high-leverage positions early. The Packers were limited on pick capital after the Micah Parsons trade, so this mix of need and value makes this one of my favorite Day 2 picks."
Yates also is high on the Chargers selecting former Gamecock defensive lineman Nick Barrett. He went before his teammate, safety Jalon Kilgore, in the round, in a bit of a surprise.Â
"When sizing up Day 3 picks, I like to look at prospects who can fill specific roles," Yates writes. Barrett won't register much in the sack department (just 2.0 in four seasons), but he's like a house to move for run blockers. He's massive, plays with a strong base and eats up blockers in a way that frees up linebackers to roam and hit. A tough L.A. defensive front should get tougher with Barrett."
Both guys are expected to report at their respective rookie minicamps sometime next month.Â
2027 NFL Mock Draft has 2 South Carolina players going in 1st round
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