Packers Team Notes

[Green Bay Packers]

Find out what's going on with the Green Bay Packers.

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Fired Packers assistant coach goes back to Bills staff

Jason Rebrovich, who was fired as the defensive line coach of the Green Bay Packers following the 2024 season, is heading back to the coaching staff of the Buffalo Bills, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Rebrovich will be the assistant defensive line coach for the Bills, a team where he was on staff for four seasons between 2013 and 2016.

Rebrovich joined the Packers as an outside linebackers coach in 2022. He moved to pass-rush specialist in 2023 and to defensive line coach in 2024. The Packers underwhelmed in terms of rushing the passer after switching to the 4-3 defensive front under Jeff Hafley in 2024, so Matt LaFleur dismissed Rebrovich and eventually hired DeMarcus Covington as his replacement.

The Packers produced 45 sacks but ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in pressure rate, average quarterback time to throw and total quarterback pressures last season.

Both Matt LaFleur and Brian Gutekunst said they believed the Packers had the right mix of talent in the defensive line room. Firing Rebrovich must be seen as a reflection of that belief and the team’s desire to get much better up front defensively in 2025.

Rebrovich joined the NFL as a defensive quality control assistant with the Bills in 2013. He served as both a defensive line coach (2014, 2016) and outside linebackers coach (2015) while working on coaching staffs of Doug Marrone and Rex Ryan with the Bills.

Marcus West currently coaches the defensive line for the Bills. Rebrovich will be an assistant under West and defensive coordinator Bobby Babich on Sean McDermott’s staff in 2025.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/05/fired-packers-assistant-coach-goes-back-to-bills-staff/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Josh Jacobs wants Packers to target these 3 positions this offseason

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs made the rounds at Radio Row in New Orleans on Wednesday. During his various appearances, the Pro Bowler made one thing clear: the Packers need help to become one of the NFL’s great teams in 2025.

And he was rather specific about where he thinks the Packers need to add.

In a sit down with Chris Simms and Mike Florio of NBC Sports, Jacobs pointed to three positions where he thinks the Packers could use help.

“We’re probably missing like 2-3 pieces. Once we get that, we’ll be alright. I think we need another defensive end. I think we need another defensive back. And I think we need a wide receiver — a real (No. 1) wide receiver. I love the guys we have in the receiver room, they all have the potential to be a No. 1, but we need a guy that’s proven to be a No. 1.”

It’s hard to disagree with Jacobs’ assessment. Rushing the passer from the edge was a problem for most of the season, so adding a defensive end is likely. With Jaire Alexander’s future uncertain and Eric Stokes entering free agency, cornerback is a need. And wide receiver is suddenly a question mark after Christian Watson suffered a significant injury and none of the second-year receivers took a big jump in 2024.

Jacobs said the Packers struggled the “details” and didn’t make the “4-5 plays” that often decide big games.

Among other things in the interview, Jacobs said the 2024 season was one of the “healthiest” for him in the NFL. He played in every game for just the second time in his professional career and still feels great despite handling over 350 touches.

“This is the healthiest my body has felt,” Jacobs said. “I feel as good as can be.”

The final part of the interview was on Jordan Love.

“Everybody loves him. He’s the guy. Don’t get it mistaken,” Jacobs said. “We have the utmost confidence and respect and love for him. He’s one of those guys who is going to do everything right, he’s going to lead the team the right way, he’s going to motivate people the right way, and he’s going to put in extra time. He’s living what he preaches. He’s just one of those guys you love to go out there and play for. He’s going to be good. Get some pieces around him, make him feel a little more comfortable. Obviously dealt with the injury early that lingered throughout the whole year. Once he gets comfortable, he’s going to be good.”

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...s-to-target-these-3-positions-this-offseason/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 78: Oklahoma State OL Dalton Cooper

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL draft.

Josh Myers is set to hit free agency this offseason and Zach Tom, Rasheed Walker, and Sean Rhyan are all entering contract years for the Green Bay Packers.

With all those potential moving parts along the offensive line, Brian Gutekunst will likely look to add an offensive lineman or two in the 2025 NFL Draft.

A potential target on Day 3 of the upcoming draft is Dalton Cooper. The Oklahoma State offensive lineman checks in at No. 78 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

A Texas State transfer, Cooper came to Oklahoma State with 36 career starts at left tackle to his name. During his first season as a Cowboy, Cooper started two games at right tackle and 11 at left tackle. This past season, Cooper started eight games at left tackle.

“It was a rough year across the board for the Oklahoma State offensive line, but Cooper was often the most consistent blocker,” Scott Wright, the Oklahoma State beat writer for The Oklahoman, said. “His pass protection was particularly strong, as was his leadership.”

According to Pro Football Focus, Cooper gave up zero sacks and six pressures this past season. The Oklahoma State offensive tackle is a wide-framed blocker. He operates with controlled steps. Everything from the top down stays in sync in his pass sets. The 57-game starter is schematically smart and has a high football IQ.

“Pass protection is easily his strength,” Wright said. “He went head-up with some really talented defensive ends this season and held his own at every opportunity. He has a long frame with good reach and good footwork. He really understands footwork. He isn’t insanely athletic, but he can move his feet to get in the right position. He uses his long arms well, in fact, he could probably still add some upper-body strength and get even better in that area.”

Cooper climbs to the second level with ease and hits his landmarks. He delivers a jolt at contact and can push defenders aside to open up running lanes.

“Run blocking is his least consistent area,” Wright said. “He’s not the type to bulldoze people, but he understands schemes and can get to the second level well. He’s intelligent and that will go a long way to making sure he’s in the right place. That will help him in the NFL as he gets accustomed to the physicality needed to run block at that level.”

Fit with the Packers​

The Packers need to bolster the depth of the offensive line. If Tom or Walker were to suffer an injury they could have a major problem at offensive tackle.

With his experience playing both tackle spots, Cooper could provide the Packers with a swing tackle.

“It starts with his wealth of experience and production,” Wright said. “Between four years at Texas State and two at Oklahoma State, Cooper has played more than 3,800 total snaps, with over 2,300 as a pass blocker, yet he gave up just 10 sacks in his entire career. Then his versatility is valuable, having shown he can play both right and left tackle. He’s a high-IQ player, a hard worker and a good locker-room guy. He’s not going to cause trouble or become disheartened if he isn’t starting. He’s a low-risk pick considering the capabilities of his potential.”

The Packers have had a ton of success drafting offensive linemen on Day 3 of the draft and developing them into quality starters. Cooper could be the next in line.

With his wealth of experience, pass-blocking prowess and football IQ, Cooper could be a valuable addition to Green Bay’s offensive line.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...ackers-no-78-oklahoma-state-ol-dalton-cooper/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers legend Sterling Sharpe elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame

Green Bay Packers legend Sterling Sharpe is going to Canton. On Thursday night, Sharpe was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2025.

Sharpe was voted in as a Senior candidate, only one of three finalists in the category.

In his seven years with the Packers, Sharpe was a Pro Bowler five times and selected as a first-team All-Pro three times. He was the No. 7 overall pick in the 1988 draft out of South Carolina.

In 1992, he set the NFL record for the most receptions in a single season with 108 and then broke his own record in 1993 when he caught 112 passes.

In addition to Sharpe, Jared Allen, Eric Allen and Antonio Gates have also been elected to the Hall of Fame.

HE’S IN.

Gold always looked good on you, Sterling

: https://t.co/aPYLNCuHcr pic.twitter.com/VoS1RWdNIN

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) February 7, 2025

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...-sharpe-elected-to-pro-football-hall-of-fame/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Which Packers received votes for awards at NFL Honors?

The Green Bay Packers didn’t have a finalist for any of the major awards announced Thursday night at NFL Honors, but several players and coaches did receive votes following the 2024 season.

Fifty voters assembled by the Associated Press vote on the season-ending awards. Winners are determined on a point-based system.

Here’s a quick look at the Packers receiving votes for major awards in 2024:

Defensive Player of the Year​

Safety Xavier McKinney received two second-place votes, one third-place vote, one fourth-place vote and two fifth-place votes. He finished eighth in the voting overall. Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II was the winner.

Coach of the Year​

Matt LaFleur received one third-place vote and two fourth-place votes and finished 10th in the voting overall. Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell was the winner.

Defensive Rookie of the Year​

Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper received one second-place vote, three third-place votes, four fourth-place votes and eight fifth-place votes. He finished sixth in the voting overall. Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Jared Verse was the winner.

Offensive Player of the Year​

Running back Josh Jacobs received two fifth-place votes and finished 11th in the voting overall. Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was the winner.

Former Packers receiver Sterling Sharpe was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2025. He was a senior candidate.

Packers defensive lineman Kenny Clark was the team’s finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/07/which-packers-received-votes-for-awards-at-nfl-honors/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers QB Jordan Love admits he fought through adversity of injury in 2024

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love shifted no blame to his injury situation but did admit the adversity of playing through multiple injuries provided an opportunity for growth as a player during the 2024 season.

Love, who injured his knee and groin during the first half of the season before suffering an elbow injury in the season finale, spoke about rehabbing and fighting through the injuries of a frustrating season while speaking with Kay Adams of “Up and Adams Show” from the Super Bowl.

“I think, you look at this year, me, battling through injury. So, having that adversity that I’m trying to fight through,” Love said. “Several injuries. So it was a lot of that. A lot of fighting through, trying to get my mind right for the game, and trying to fight through some pain, things like that. It was an inconsistent year.”

Love injured his MCL late in Week 1, missed two games, returned ahead of schedule in Week 4 and then injured his groin in Week 8.

Love explained how treating and rehabbing an injury situation during the week can provide a physical and mental challenge.

“Week 1, MCL. So that was the big one,” Love said. “I was battling, missed two games with it, came back, came back early. And was fighting through that. It was a tough injury, one that limits you a little bit what you can mobility wise. Couple weeks after that, ended up straining my groin because of the knee. That whole thing just put a damper on things. It’s something that you’re, every week, every day in the facility you’re doing the rehab trying to fight through and just get ready for the game. A lot of your mindset goes into trying to get your body right for it. It’s tough. You’re not 100 percent. But we know that no one is ever 100 percent in the NFL.”

Love ended up completing 63.0 percent of his passes, averaging 8.0 yards per attempt, throwing 25 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions and finishing with a 96.7 passer rating across 15 games in 2024. He improved in several key areas but ended up struggling to end the year, and he threw three interceptions in the playoff loss in Philadelphia.

Love didn’t take the big step forward in his second season as a starter, but the injuries can be viewed as a big reason why. Keeping Love healthy has to be a key factor for the Packers improving from good to great in 2025.

Here’s the interview:

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...e-fought-through-adversity-of-injury-in-2024/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 77, Florida WR Chimere Dike

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL draft.

Brian Gutekunst has drafted 10 wide receivers since taking over as general manager of the Green Bay Packers in 2018. Out of those 10 wide receivers, seven of them competed at the Senior Bowl and out of those seven, five of them were drafted on Day 3.

A wide receiver who was down in Mobile this year and could be a Day 3 target for the Packers during the 2025 NFL Draft is Chimere Dike. The Florida Gators wide receiver and Wisconsin Badger transfer checks in at No. 77 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

During his lone season at the Swamp, Dike reeled in 42 receptions for 783 yards and a pair of touchdowns. In his four seasons as a Badger, Dike hauled in 97 receptions for 1,478 yards and nine touchdowns.

“Dike was an important target for DJ Lagway and Graham Mertz,” Adam Dubbin, the managing editor of Gators Wire, said. “Additionally, his speed and versatility came in handy in many facets of the game. It’s worth noting that he was the primary punt returner for the Gators, leading the SEC in return yardage with an average of 16.5 per return. Every team can use a jack-of-all-trades like Dike.”

Dike is a three-level threat and a well-rounded wide receiver. The Florida wide receiver has some suddenness in his release to quickly gain separation at the line of scrimmage and gets downfield quickly with his strong strides. He shows sharp footwork at the top of his routes. He understands route leverage and has good body flexibility. The former Badger wide receiver has strong hands and plucks the ball away from his frame.

“His speed is his greatest strength,” Dubbin said. “Not just sprinting speed, but lateral speed and the ability to quickly adjust his momentum on the fly. His body control allows him to be right where he needs to be when the pass arrives, plus he has the athleticism to accommodate throws that might not be quite on the mark.”

Despite not being the biggest wide receiver, Dike is willing to get physical as a blocker and appears to enjoy the physical side of the game. The Gators would often send him in motion and have him crash down, much like the Los Angeles Rams utilized Cooper Kupp.

“Despite his diminutive size, he is willing to throw his body at defenders and was utilized in this role regularly lining up in the slot,” Dubbin said. “I would have concerns about his frame handling NFL-level physicality, but the willingness and motivation are there.”

Dike brings special teams value with his experience as a punt and kick returner. He finished his collegiate career with 26 punt returns and 20 kick returns.

Fit with the Packers​

It’s Super Bowl week and the talk surrounding the Packers is they need a No. 1 wide receiver. If Josh Jacobs gets his wish, the Packers will land a big fish in free agency or via trade.

As we wait to see what Gutekunst does this offseason, there is still talent inside Green Bay’s wide receiver room.

There were times early on this past season when Jayden Reed looked like he had established himself as the leader of the wide receiver classroom. Then he got hit with the drop bug, the same bug that impacted Dontavyion Wicks for much of the season.

There is no denying Christian Watson’s big-play ability and the value he brings to the offense. After suffering a torn ACL in Week 18, the former North Dakota State University star likely won’t be back until the middle of the upcoming season.

Despite his gobs of potential, the Packers will have to take into account the durability concerns when it comes to giving Watson a second contract.

Romeo Doubs was just okay and one has to wonder if he has done enough to get a second contract with the Packers.

With his toughness, speed and special teams value, Dike could be a late Day 3 target for the Packers to add to the mix.

With Keisean Nixon wanting to retire from returning kicks, Dike could be a potential replacement for him and he’d provide quality depth at wide receiver.

“Dike is one of those guys you just love having on your roster,” Dubbin said. “His versatility, football IQ and heart are the trifecta of a true team player, and he is the kind of athlete who will find a role somehow.”

Dike is not the most dynamic wide receiver in this class. He’s not the most dangerous with the ball in his hands. He’s not the best route runner. He may not be great at one single thing, he just does everything well. He’s a well-rounded player, who could provide an immediate impact as a return specialist and is willing to do the dirty work on the edges. He’s the ideal bottom-of-the-depth-chart wide receiver.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/07/unpacking-future-packers-no-77-florida-wr-chimere-dike/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 76, Texas DT Vernon Broughton

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL draft.

Disappointing. That would be the word best used to describe the play of Green Bay’s defensive line this past season under first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. It was so disappointing that they gave defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich his walking papers and replaced him with DeMarcus Covington, who served as the New England Patriots defensive coordinator this past season.

It will be up to Covington to see if he can get the production to catch up to the potential of a group that has four former first-round picks.

It’s a group that will remain largely intact, except for TJ Slaton, who is set to hit the open market.

A player who could be on Green Bay’s radar as they look to add more talent to the mix is Vernon Broughton. The Texas defensive tackle checks in at No. 76 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

During his first three seasons on campus, Broughton recorded three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. In 2024, Broughton recorded five tackles for loss and one sack, while playing behind T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy

This past season, Broughton recorded 39 tackles, five tackles for loss, four sacks, and forced two fumbles.

“Broughton was one of the biggest surprises from the Texas defense,” Joey Hickey, a contributing writer for Athlon Sports said. “After Texas lost T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy to the NFL, many expected the Texas interior to be a weakness. Broughton played a huge role in Texas having the fourth most sacks in the nation.”

Broughton is an active interior presence and has an ideal frame. He gets upfield quickly and is a violent pass rusher, with the power to bench-press offensive linemen off of him. He shows good closing burst to the quarterback and finished this past season with 32 pressures.

“Broughton is bruising, physical and technical as a pass rusher,” Hickey said. “He had talent out of high school as one of the best defensive recruits from the Tom Herman era at Texas. He has the technique of a veteran player with several years of college coaching.”

Broughton does a good job of getting off blocks and disrupting the action in the backfield. He uses his hands well and has a radar for the football. The Texas defensive tackle has the lateral quickness to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage. He has a strong trunk and can be hard to move off his spot. According to Pro Football Focus he finished this past season with 26 run stops.

“Run defense has perhaps been Broughton’s biggest area of improvement,” Hickey said. “He isn’t necessarily elite in run stuffing but can hold his own in the trenches.”

Fit with the Packers​

Adding a player like Broughton to the mix could provide Green Bay’s interior pass rush with a much-needed shot in the arm. Devonte Wyatt, Kenny Clark, Karl Brooks and Slaton combined for 10 sacks this past season, with five of them coming from Wyatt.

Broughton would slot into the rotation and help Green Bay’s run defense continue its upward trajectory while helping Green Bay’s pass rush become a more consistent force.

“With Broughton, you’re getting a well-developed player,” Hickey said. “He comes from a culture of competition in the defensive tackle room. There’s a pattern of several Longhorns defensive linemen who didn’t transfer, competed and made the most of their opportunity when they got it. Keondre Coburn, T’Vondre Sweat and Alfred Collins all broke out as “super seniors” which speaks to their ability to face adversity and make the most of it. Broughton could also make an immediate impact perhaps faster than other rookies because he’s older and perhaps stronger.”

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...ture-packers-no-76-texas-dt-vernon-broughton/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 75, Ohio State DE Jack Sawyer

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL draft.

This past season, Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness combined for 10.5 sacks for the Green Bay Packers. That’s simply not good enough from two former first-round picks.

The Packers gave defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich his walking papers and replaced him with DeMarcus Covington, who served as the New England Patriots defensive coordinator this past season.

It will be up to Covington to get Gary back on track and hopefully help Van Ness enjoy a breakout campaign in 2025.

Even if those two take steps in the right direction, the Packers could still use another edge rusher to team with Gary, Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare and Brenton Cox Jr.

Jack Sawyer is an edge rusher Brian Gutekunst could target on Day 2 during the 2025 NFL Draft. The Ohio State defensive end checks in at No. 75 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

A former five-star recruit, Sawyer recorded three sacks during his first season on campus. The following season, Sawyer recorded seven tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. In 2023, Sawyer recorded 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.

This past season, Sawyer played a key role in helping the Buckeyes win the National Championship. He recorded 59 tackles, nine tackles for loss, nine sacks and one interception. During the College Football Player, Sawyer recorded four sacks and had a fumble return for a touchdown during Ohio State’s semifinal victory over Texas.

“Sawyer was one of four captains for the Buckeyes this season, but he was also the guy who was instrumental in starting the momentum on getting around 10 teammates to put the NFL on hold and return in 2024 for their senior seasons,” Tony Gerdeman, the lead writer for Buckeye Huddle said. “He is the guy who will keep fighting even after the battle is lost, literally and figuratively. Aside from the emotional and leadership aspects, he was also a guy who was never hurt, could play 60 snaps in a game and would just keep playing. He is football.”

Sawyer is a stout run defender and sets a firm edge. The Buckeye defensive end shows the lateral quickness to infiltrate gaps to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Sawyer plays with a cranked-up motor and has good pursuit speed as a backside defender to chase down ball carriers.

“There have been some people over the years who would tell you he is a better run stopper than pass rusher,” Gerdeman said. “He’s a very smart defender who can set an edge or chase the backside. He keeps his eyes up and doesn’t just lose himself in his pass rush. Sawyer is a very good athlete who can run and chase, or hold up at the point of attack.”

Sawyer has physical hands to wear down offensive linemen. He’s a black belt in hand fighting and utilizes an effective cross shop. He has the power to cave the pocket and finished this past season with a career-high 64 pressures, including 21 during Ohio State’s run to the National Championship in the College Football Playoff.

“In his time at Ohio State, Sawyer was often criticized for not getting to the quarterback enough,” Gerdeman said. “He finished his career with 23 sacks (JT Tuimoloau finished with 24), which is tied for eighth-most in OSU history with former first-round picks Will Smith and Eric Kumerow. In terms of how he wins, he showed against Texas his ability to use speed to get around talented tackles. He can bend and turn a corner. He isn’t just a speed rusher, however. He has spent years working on the minute details of hands and feet and all of the stuff that coaches love

Fit with the Packers​

The Packers need to add juice to their pass rush and while Sawyer is nowhere near being the most explosive edge rusher in this class. He’s not a twitched-up edge rusher. However, he has a refined pass rush plan that’s predicated on power and relentless motor.

“If I draft Sawyer, I know that I’m drafting a guy who isn’t going to flake out,” Gerdeman said. “He’s going to be all in at all times. He can be a defensive end in an even front or outside linebacker in an odd front. He could get bigger or smaller depending on what the defense needs. The guy just wants to win and will work to make it happen.”

Adding a player like Sawyer to Green Bay’s defensive end group would give Hafley a player that’s NFL ready. He’s going to bring the same effort on each snap. He’ll help Green Bay’s run defense continue to improve while being a player that could register five to eight sacks during his rookie campaign.

With his skillset, Sawyer could challenge Van Ness for starting reps as a rookie. Regardless if he earns a starting role, a team can never have enough pass rushers and if last year is any indicator, the Packers need to add a pass rusher or two this offseason.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...ture-packers-no-75-ohio-state-de-jack-sawyer/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Jets decide to move on from former Packers QB Aaron Rodgers

The New York Jets have informed former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers of their plans to move on from him this offseason, according to reporting from Jay Glazer of FOX Sports. Numerous media outlets, including NFL Network and ESPN, also reported the Jets are expected to move on from Rodgers, who was traded from the Packers to the Jets in 2023.

The decision from new Jets leadership marks the end of a tumultuous two-year stint for Rodgers in New York. He played only four snaps before suffering a season-ending Achilles tendon injury in 2023 before laboring through a 5-12 season and numerous staff changes as a 17-game starter during a highly disappointing 2024 season.

Rodgers, who turns 41 this December, played his first 18 seasons in Green Bay.

It remains unclear if Rodgers will continue his NFL career elsewhere or decide to retire after 20 seasons. Several NFL teams are expected to be in the veteran quarterback market this offseason, so Rodgers could have options if he desires to keep playing.

While a trade is possible, a release is the more likely transaction for the Jets.

Rodgers completed 63.0 percent of his passes, averaged 6.7 yards per attempt, tossed 28 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions and finished with a 90.5 passer rating in 2024. He finished 21st in the NFL in passer rating, while the Jets finished 24th in scoring.

One potential ripple effect of the Jets moving on from Rodgers is the likely exit of former Packers receiver Davante Adams, who could be a possibility on the open market if general manager Brian Gutekunst wants to pursue a veteran receiver this offseason. Adams was traded from the Raiders to the Jets in 2024.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...move-on-from-former-packers-qb-aaron-rodgers/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 74, Iowa CB Jermari Harris

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL draft.

Brian Gutekunst has been known to attack roster issues with force. A year ago the Green Bay Packers had arguably the worst safety room in the entire NFL. What did he do in the offseason? He went out and signed Xavier McKinney and drafted three safeties in the NFL Draft.

The year before that he spent three Top 100 picks on pass catchers to get Jordan Love more weapons.

Gutekunst could attack the cornerback room with the same ferocity this offseason.

A cornerback that Gutekunst could target on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft is Jermari Harris. The Iowa cornerback checks in at No. 74 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

An Illinois native, Harris started in six games of the 2021 season, and in those six starts, he recorded 28 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions and three pass deflections. Harris missed the following season due to injury. In 2023, Harris recorded 42 tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception and eight pass deflections.

This past season, Harris recorded one tackle for loss, three interceptions and seven pass deflections in 10 games.

“He has seen so many snaps in college and has seen so many different schemes,” Riley Donald, a contributor for Hawkeyes Wire, said. “He is confident in what he sees and has great instincts. He may not have the ceiling of some top-end corners, but his floor is much higher and can give you a steady depth corner with starting ability.”

Harris has above-average height and length for the position. He checked in at the East-West Shrine Bowl at 6-0 with 31 1/8 inch arms and a wingspan of 74 3/8 inches.

Harris is physical at the catch point and has adequate ball skills. He finished his career at Iowa with eight interceptions and 19 pass deflections. Harris uses his length to tighten passing lanes. He’s an instinctive corner with good reactive quickness and shows good route recognition when in zone coverage. The Iowa cornerback has clean footwork, with no wasted movements.

“Harris isn’t the biggest or fastest, but he is twitchy and he likes to play physical,” Donald said. “If he can be near the ball and turn it into a contested catch, odds are it is incomplete or an interception. He also understands zone concepts well as Iowa did that as well as anyone. He can play man or zone without much of an issue.”

Harris is highly competitive and is more than willing to stick his nose up in run support. He uses his length to wrap and finish.

“If you aren’t going to come up in the run game, you aren’t going to play,” Donald said. “Iowa’s scheme relied on corners to set edges and be contain. Harris wasn’t afraid to come up and make tackles.”

Fit with the Packers​

It appears that Jaire Alexander and the Packers are headed for a divorce and Eric Stokes is set to hit the open market.

That leaves Jeff Hafley with Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine as the only cornerbacks with meaningful snaps under their belts, and Javon Bullard, who will likely man the nickel corner position moving forward.

Behind those three there isn’t much to get excited about and even then, it’s not that inspiring of a trio. They need to add competition to challenge Valentine and it’s fair to assume that Gutekunst will pour adequate resources into remodeling the cornerback room at 1265 Lombardi Avenue this offseason.

Adding a player like Harris, who has plus instincts, adequate ball skills and isn’t going to be a liability in run support would be an ideal addition to Green Bay’s cornerback room on Day 3.

“It’s an Iowa defensive back,” Donald said. “You have Cooper DeJean, Micah Hyde, Desmond King, Riley Moss. You know what you are getting. He can step in and play for you right away. He comes from a scheme that is professional and allows him to jump into the mix. Harris can become a secondary piece for years to come. He may never be the top-end starter, but he solidifies a piece on defense and eliminates cornerback depth worries.”

A big thing for Harris during the pre-draft process will be his medicals. He missed the entire 2022 season due to an ankle injury and reportedly battled through injuries this past season.

If things come back clean, the Packers will likely have him on their board when Day 3 of the draft rolls around.

Given the current state of Green Bay’s cornerback room, Gutekunst may draft two or three cornerbacks to the mix. Harris has the competitive makeup, savviness and ball skills to potentially challenge Valentine for a starting role. At worst, he’ll provide much-needed quality depth.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/10/unpacking-future-packers-no-74-iowa-cb-jermari-harris/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Post Super Bowl 3-round mock draft for Packers

If the Green Bay Packers hope to contend with the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC next season, bolstering the trenches on both sides of the ball needs to be a top priority during the offseason.

The Eagles’ defensive line dominated in Super Bowl LIX, sacking Patrick Mahomes six times—without blitzing once, according to ESPN Sports Analytics Writer Seth Walder.

On the offensive side, Philadelphia did a nice job against Steve Spagnuolo’s blitz-heavy defense, limiting pressure and protecting Jalen Hurts for most of the game.

At the very least, this year’s Super Bowl exposed some glaring needs for the Packers. Throughout the 2024 season, Green Bay struggled to generate pressure while sending a four-man rush. The Chiefs’ offensive line was considered one of their biggest strengths entering Sunday’s game, but the Eagles’ pass rush completely wrecked Kansas City’s gameplan without needing to send extra bodies.

According to NFL Next Gen Stats, in addition to getting sacked more times than he had ever been in a single game, Mahomes was pressured on 16 of his 42 dropbacks.

The Packers also have some work to do up front offensively. While Pro Football Focus rated them as the third-best pass-protecting team in 2024, their run blocking was a meager 22nd.

Last year, Green Bay used their first-round pick on offensive lineman Jordan Morgan, only for him to sit out the rest of the season with a shoulder injury after appearing in only six games. It’s not out of the question for the Packers to dedicate one of their early 2025 picks to the offensive line, especially in a division that features one of the best pass rushers in the game in Aidan Hutchinson, and a defensive coordinator in Minnesota’s Brian Flores touting the league’s highest blitz rate.

Given the importance of the trenches in building a Super Bowl contender, we will only address the offensive line and defensive line in a three-round mock draft using PFF’s mock draft simulator.

Let’s begin.

1.23: Edge Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M​

Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-5
Weight: 281

Fit with Packers: Brian Gutekunst loves front-seven players from the SEC with outstanding traits, making Stewart an obvious choice. Standing at 6-5 and weighing 281 pounds with great length, Stewart is one of the most physically gifted players in this year’s draft class. His lack of production (only 4.5 sacks in three seasons) is a red flag, but that shouldn’t deter anyone from recognizing Stewart’s extreme upside as a pass rusher.

2.59: DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon​

Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Height: 6-5
Weight: 310

Fit with Packers: After what was arguably the most disappointing season of Kenny Clark’s career, Green Bay will need to bolster the interior of their defensive line, preferably someone who can get after the quarterback and excel as a run defender. Coming off a senior season in which he registered 55 pressures, 5.0 sacks, and 11 tackles for loss, Harmon could have an immediate impact as a rookie.

3.91: C Jared Wilson, Georgia​

Brett Patzke-Imagn Images

Height: 6-3
Weight: 310

Fit with Packers: With Josh Myers set to be a free agent, the Packers may need to find their next starting center in this year’s draft. Wilson only started one season at Georgia, but it’s no secret that Gutekunst has an affinity for former Bulldogs. Given Green Bay’s needs and Wilson’s ability to immediately contribute as a starting center, he was an obvious choice. Per PFF, Wilson didn’t surrender a sack in 511 pass-blocking snaps in 2024.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/11/post-super-bowl-3-round-mock-draft-for-packers/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 72, Texas A&M DL Shemar Turner

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers and every other team in the NFL just witnessed the Philadelphia Eagles’ relentless pass rush make one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time look like Jordan Rodgers.

A year after having a pass rush run hot and cold, mostly cold, Brian Gutekunst may be looking to kickstart Green Bay’s pass rush by adding more talent to the mix.

The play of the defensive line this past season was so disappointing that they gave defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich his walking papers and replaced him with DeMarcus Covington, who served as the New England Patriots defensive coordinator this past season.

Kenny Clark had the worst season of his career since being drafted in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Devonte Wyatt led the interior group with five sacks and it’s a coin toss on whether or not the former first-round pick will earn a second contract with the Packers.

A player that Gutekunst could target to bolster the interior of Green Bay’s defensive line is Shemar Turner. The Texas A&M defensive tackle checks in at No. 72 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

A four-star recruit, Turner recorded two tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks during his first season on campus. The following season, Turner recorded five tackles for loss and a 0.5 sack. In 2023, he recorded 11 tackles for loss and six sacks.

This past season, Turner recorded a career-high 36 tackles and added six tackles for loss and two sacks.

“Turner was a huge part of the defense during his time with the Aggies,” Tony Catalina, the Texas A&M beat writer for the Austin American-Statesman said. “He was a trusted piece in the middle of a talented defensive line who stood up well in the run game and an interior player that provided third-down pass rush as well.”

Turner offers position versatility and would give Hafley a player he could move around the defensive line.

The former four-star recruit shoots gaps with explosiveness. He’s heavy-handed and is strong at the point of attack. He has a radar for the football and is quick to locate the ball carrier. The Aggie defensive tackle has the lateral quickness to chase ball carriers up and down the line of scrimmage. There are times when he can look like a bull in a China shop.

“He was excellent against the run and it was perhaps his biggest strength,” Catalina said. “He had a quick first step and in a lot of cases was able to out-leverage and just out-skill the man in front of him. With more refinement and with the right system, there’s no reason to believe he isn’t capable of translating the same things to the NFL level.”

Turner has a quick first step and pounces out of his stance. He has an impressive bull rush and can cave the pocket. When he gets a lane he has amazing burst to the finish line. Over the last three seasons, Turner recorded 79 pressures.

“Turner’s ability to pass rush is probably why he’ll get drafted earlier than some think,” Catalina said. “His rare size and strength, coupled with his ability to live in the backfield on all three downs is something any team can use.”

Fit with the Packers​

The Packers may or may not pick up the fifth-year option for Wyatt. Clark’s down season is alarming and the hope is that it was simply a blip on the radar. Karl Brooks brings value as a rotational piece.

With TJ Slaton set to hit free agency and the uncertainty surrounding Wyatt’s future in Green Bay, the Packers need an infusion of talent.

Turner is likely going to wind up being a Day 2 pick or an early Day 3 pick.

With his athleticism and power, Turner has the tools to be a gap disrupter and would give Green Bay’s interior pass rush a much-needed shot in the arm.

“Turner has excellent athleticism, plays with good length and has the ability to win at the point of attack,” Catalina said. “He’s an interior player by trade, but his athletic ability allows NFL teams to get creative with him in different sports if they choose.”

Since taking over as general manager in 2018, Gutekunst has drafted three Texas A&M players. The Aggies boasted a talented defensive line this past season, and if Turner is on the board when the Packers are on the clock in the second or third round, his upside may be hard to pass up as the Packers look to build a dominant defensive line.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...ture-packers-no-72-texas-am-dl-shemar-turner/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers might have key ingredient to potential Maxx Crosby trade

In a wide-ranging post touching on the uncertain futures of several veteran pass-rushers entering this offseason, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport made an interesting and potentially revealing note on Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby.

In Crosby’s section, Rapoport included this line: “Trading Crosby for a bounty of picks would be one way to expedite that process, and Crosby might welcome the change, particularly if it’s to a playoff team where he knows people (e.g. Green Bay).”

The Raiders are starting over with new head coach Pete Carroll and may not be in a position to compete right away in the loaded AFC West, especially considering the team’s current quarterback situation.

Crosby might not want to wait for the Raiders to rebuild, again. And the All-Pro is familiar with several players and/or coaches in Green Bay, including running back Josh Jacobs and cornerback Keisean Nixon, two former teammates with the Raiders, and special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, who was the Raiders assistant head coach for three years and the interim head coach for one year with Crosby.

Crosby, 27, went to four straight Pro Bowls between 2021 and 2024 and has 59.5 career sacks in 95 games. He led the NFL in tackles for loss in both 2022 and 2023 and has three seasons with 30 or more quarterback hits (2021-23).

Nixon is campaigning for Crosby online:

@CrosbyMaxx Come Be Great Wit A Real Team My Boi… https://t.co/TTHUrOKzHM

— K9 (@keiseannixon) February 11, 2025

Familiarity matters for players, and it wouldn’t take long for Crosby to find out what the Packers as a franchise can offer the win-starved pass-rusher. Nixon’s career took off with the Packers, and Jacobs arrived in Green Bay in 2024 and enjoyed one of his best seasons for a playoff team.

Acquiring Crosby — a relentless rusher who almost never comes off the field — would give the Packers defensive front a true game-changer, although he will be costly in a potential trade given his age, production and contract.

The Packers fancy themselves serious about competing for a championship in 2025. Making a big splash in the trade market could be one way to move the roster forward.

Crosby isn’t the only pass-rusher with an uncertain future this offseason. Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons and Trey Hendrickson also could be moved by their respective teams before the start of the 2025 season.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...ey-ingredient-to-potential-maxx-crosby-trade/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers defense ranks top 10 in tackling during first year under Jeff Hafley

The Green Bay Packers were one of the best tackling defenses in the NFL during the first season under defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley in 2024.

According to Next Gen Stats, the Packers ranked seventh in overall tackling grade last season, with high marks in tackling efficiency (seventh) and yards allowed after missed tackles (fifth).

The defense was especially good into the winter months, ranking first in the NFL in tackling efficiency rate from Week 10 and on.

From Next Gen Stats: “First-year coordinator Jeff Hafley has clearly put together a connected, fundamentally sound unit in Green Bay.”

A few factors likely came together to improve the Packers’ tackling. For starters, the team added Xavier McKinney, one of the NFL’s most reliable tacklers at safety. He missed only five tackles despite playing over 1,100 total snaps (counting the postseason). His addition — combined with the departure of inconsistent tackler Darnell Savage — provided a huge boost on the backend of the secondary. Also, Quay Walker had a terrific season as a tackler, missing on only 7.6 percent of tackle attempts, per Pro Football Focus, and rookies Edgerrin Cooper, Javon Bullard and Evan Williams were generally reliable tacklers in their first season. Additionally, defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt, who had 15 misses last year, only missed a handful of tackles in 2024 as he improved as a finisher.

According to Next Gen Stats, the Packers’ two biggest offenders in terms of missed tackles were Isaiah McDuffie and Eric Wilson, who each had 14. Both are free agents this offseason.

Two teams that finished ahead of the Packers were the Kansas City Chiefs (No. 1) and the Philadelphia Eagles (No. 6), the two Super Bowl teams. By overall grade, the top nine teams in Next Gen Stats’ ranking made the postseason — highlighting how important tackling is to overall team success in pro football.

Next Gen Stats wasn’t the only analytics site that loved the Packers’ work in the tackling department. The Packers ranked fourth in tackling grade at Pro Football Focus in 2024, up from a 14th place finish in 2023.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...tackling-during-first-year-under-jeff-hafley/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Jordan Love was one of only 6 QBs to accomplish this feat in 2024

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love was one of only six quarterbacks to have a completion of at least 60 yards in the air during the 2024 season, per Next Gen Stats.

In Week 5, Love hit Jayden Reed for a 53-yard completion against the Los Angeles Rams. The throw traveled 60.8 yards in the air, making it the longest completion of Love’s career, and somehow landed in Reed’s arms despite three players in coverage, making it arguably one of the most improbable completions of Love’s career.

Here’s the crazy throw and catch from Week 5:

“Very cool play. Great catch by J-Reed with three guys around him,” Love said after the win at SoFi Stadium.

Love admitted that quarterbacks coach Tom Clements gave him a “zero” grade on the decision-making sheet for the throw. The Rams had two defensive backs in coverage and a trailing linebacker on Reed.

“It worked out. Not a great decision, it worked out but you can’t rely on that working out all the time…learn from it, grow from it. Not a great decision.”

The deep completion set up a touchdown to open up the Packers’ 24-19 win over the Rams.

Here are the six quarterbacks with a completion of at least 60 air yards in 2024, via Next Gen Stats:

1. Bo Nix: 67.0 yards
2. Jayden Daniels: 65.9 yards
3. Anthony Richardson: 65.3 yards
4. Patrick Mahomes: 62.2 yards
5. Aaron Rodgers: 61.4 yards
6. Jordan Love: 60.8 yards

Love’s longest completion by air yards as a first-year starter was 57.6 yards.

On average, roughly five quarterbacks per year have a completion traveling at least 60 yards in the air since 2018, per Next Gen Stats.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...f-only-6-qbs-to-accomplish-this-feat-in-2024/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Complete list of inactive players for the Packers during 2024 season

While NFL rosters are 53 players, only 46 players are allowed to be “active” for games each week. That means teams like the Green Bay Packers have to make a certain number of players “inactive” each week. These players don’t get into uniform for games and are unavailable to play, save for the emergency third quarterback who can enter and play if the team’s first two quarterbacks are injured.

Who was inactive for the Packers during the 2024 season?

Here’s the week-by-week list:

Week 1 at PHI​

WR Malik Heath
RB MarShawn Lloyd
DL Arron Mosby
DL Brenton Cox Jr.
OT Kadeem Telfort
OT Travis Glover

Week 2 vs. IND​

QB Jordan Love
S Kitan Oladapo
DL Brenton Cox Jr.
T Andre Dillard
T Travis Glover
DL Colby Wooden

Week 3 at TEN​

QB Jordan Love
CB Carrington Valentine
S Kitan Oladapo
DL Brenton Cox Jr.
G/T Jordan Morgan
T Travis Glover
DL Colby Wooden

Week 4 vs. MIN​

CB Jaire Alexander
CB Carrington Valentine
S Kitan Oladapo
DL Brenton Cox Jr.
T/G Jordan Morgan
T Travis Glover
DL Colby Wooden

Week 5 at LAR​

WR Christian Watson
CB Jaire Alexander
DL Brenton Cox Jr.
T/G Jordan Morgan
T Travis Glover
DL Devonte Wyatt

Week 6 vs. ARI​

S Kitan Oladapo
DL Brenton Cox Jr.
T Andre Dillard
T Travis Glover
TE John FitzPatrick
DL Devonte Wyatt

Week 7 vs. HOU​

S Kitan Oladapo
DL Brenton Cox Jr.
G/C Jacob Monk
T Travis Glover
TE John FitzPatrick
DL Devonte Wyatt

Week 8 at JAX​

LB Quay Walker
CB Corey Ballentine
S Kitan Oladapo
DL Brenton Cox Jr.
T Andre Dillard
T Travis Glover

Week 9 vs. DET​

WR Malik Heath
CB Jaire Alexander
S Evan Williams
DL Brenton Cox Jr.
C Josh Myers
T Travis Glover

Week 11 at CHI​

CB Robert Rochell
S Kitan Oladapo
T Travis Glover
DL Colby Wooden

Week 12 vs. SF​

CB Jaire Alexander
S Kitan Oladapo
LB Edgerrin Cooper
OL Jacob Monk

Week 13 vs. MIA​

CB Jaire Alexander
LB Edgerrin Cooper
OL Jacob Monk
WR Romeo Doubs

Week 14 at DET​

CB Jaire Alexander
CB Corey Ballentine
LB Edgerrin Cooper
OL Jacob Monk
WR Romeo Doubs

Week 15 at SEA​

WR Malik Heath
S Javon Bullard
CB Jaire Alexander
OL Jacob Monk

Week 16 vs. NO​

LB Quay Walker
WR Malik Heath
S Javon Bullard
CB Jaire Alexander
S Evan Williams
OL Jacob Monk

Week 17 at MIN​

LB Quay Walker
WR Christian Watson
CB Jaire Alexander
S Evan Williams
S Omar Brown
OT Andre Dillard

Week 18 vs. CHI​

LB Quay Walker
S Evan Williams
S Zayne Anderson
DL Brenton Cox Jr.
OT Andre Dillard
WR Romeo Doubs

Inactive leaders, 2024​

DE Brenton Cox Jr. — 10
OL Travis Glover — 10
CB Jaire Alexander (shoulder/knee) — 9
S Kitan Oladapo — 8
OL Jacob Monk — 6
OT Andre Dillard — 5
WR Malik Heath — 4
DL Colby Wooden — 4
LB Quay Walker (hamstring) — 4
S Evan Williams (quad) — 4
WR Romeo Doubs (concussion) — 3
LB Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring) — 3
OL Jordan Morgan (shoulder) — 3
DL Devonte Wyatt (ankle) — 4

Playoff inactives vs. PHI​

QB Sean Clifford (third QB)
WR Christian Watson (knee)
S Zayne Anderson (concussion)
T Andre Dillard
TE Ben Sims

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...e-players-for-the-packers-during-2024-season/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Steelers release former Packers OLB Preston Smith

The Pittsburgh Steelers released outside linebacker Preston Smith, the team announced on Friday. Smith was traded by the Green Bay Packers to the Steelers in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2025 draft at the trade deadline in October.

Smith, who turns 33 in November, produced 2.0 sacks, eight pressures and a fumble recovery over eight regular season games and 161 defensive snaps after the trade to the Steelers. He was a healthy scratch during two of the team’s final three games, including the Steelers’ playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Smith was due to make $12 million in base salary in 2025. The Steelers will clear his entire $13.4 million cap hit off the team’s books for 2025 and $14.1 million more for 2026.

The Packers will still count $9.88 million on the team’s cap for Smith in the form of dead money in 2025. His prorated signing bonus accelerated onto the team’s cap for 2025 when the Packers traded him to Pittsburgh.

Smith. who signed as a free agent in Green Bay in 2019, played in 91 regular season games for the Packers over six seasons. He produced 44.0 sacks, 42 tackles for loss and 96 quarterback hits while in Green Bay. Smith also appeared in seven postseason games, producing 4.5 sacks and 10 quarterback hits.

If the Steelers want to clear more cap space for 2025, releasing former Packers defensive lineman Dean Lowry — and saving $2.5 million — is another option.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/14/steelers-release-former-packers-olb-preston-smith/

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 69, South Carolina DT T.J. Sanders

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers need to get more production from the defensive line. After a disappointing season from that group, the Packers gave defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich his walking papers and hired DeMarcus Covington, who served as the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots this past season.

With a new voice leading that room, the Packers will hope that Kenny Clark can bounce back from the worst season of his career and hope they can get more out of the duo of Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness.

Along with hoping for internal growth, the Packers will look to add more talent to that room. A potential target during the 2025 NFL Draft is T.J. Sanders. The South Carolina defensive tackle checks in at No. 69 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

A three-star recruit and former basketball standout, Sanders didn’t start playing football until his junior year of high school.

After recording one sack during his first two seasons on campus, Sanders enjoyed a breakout season in 2023. He recorded 43 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and four pass deflections.

This past season Sanders recorded 50 tackles, seven tackles for loss and four sacks.

“He was one of the best players on a very talented defense, which had difference-makers at every level,” Hale McGranahan, a reporter for TheBigSpur.com, said. “He was certainly one of them up front.”

Sanders is a twitched-up interior presence with explosive power. He has a devasting bull rush. Despite being relatively new to the sport he has a detailed pass rush plan that features active hands with a mean swipe. According to Pro Football Focus, Sanders recorded 60 pressures to go along with his 8.5 sacks over the past two seasons.

“I’d say his greatest strength is pass-rush ability, but he’s really good against the run, too,” McGranahan said. “The production is pretty solid for an interior guy. He’s also graded out better as a pass rusher than run defender on PFF.”

Sanders isn’t a roadblock versus the run. He’s not going to eat up double teams. What he is going to do is cause chaos. He’s active and slippery, and recorded 54 run stops over the past two seasons. The South Carolina defensive tackle fires into blockers and tosses them aside with leverage and power. The former basketball star has good foot quickness and the lateral mobility to shoot into gaps and disrupt the action in the backfield.

“Sanders was a very good high school basketball player who didn’t play football for his high school until his junior year, so he was a little raw coming into college,” McGranahan said. “But he just kept getting better each year.”

Fit with the Packers​

The Packers need more disruption from their defensive line. A year after having a pass rush run hot and cold, mostly cold, Gutekunst may be looking to kickstart Green Bay’s pass rush by adding more talent to the mix

Sanders checks the boxes. He’s twitchy and gap penetrator. Over the past two seasons he combined for 17 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 60 pressures and 54 run stops.

“I could see him being a fit in either an odd or even front,” McGranahan said. “South Carolina mixed up some of their fronts over the last couple of seasons, especially in 2023, so Sanders does have experience playing in different spots. If I’m an NFL general manager, I’d like to believe that he’s going to add some versatility to my defensive line.”

The Packers may or may not pick up the fifth-year option for Wyatt. Clark’s down season is alarming and the hope is that it was simply a blip on the radar. Karl Brooks brings value as a rotational piece.

With TJ Slaton set to hit free agency and the uncertainty surrounding Wyatt’s future in Green Bay, the Packers need to a defensive tackle to the mix.

Sanders would bolster Green Bay’s interior pass rush and would provide them with a player that could create havoc against the run. If he’s on the board when the Packers are on the clock in the second round he could be the pick.

Source: https://packerswire.usatoday.com/20...-packers-no-69-south-carolina-dt-t-j-sanders/