The Green Bay Packers finished 2024 ranked 26th in pass rush win rate. Rashan Gary led the team with 47 pressures. However, he ranked just 31st among edge rushers. Furthermore, Kenny Clark recorded only one sack. While the Packers totaled 45 sacks, 20 came in just three games.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst made no moves in free agency to upgrade the pass rush, so it's realistic to assume the Packers will be major players for interior defensive linemen and edge rushers in the draft.
The Packers are doing their homework on defensive line prospects, with reports indicating the team plans to welcome an athletic defensive lineman for a pre-draft visit.
According to Easton Butler of the Packer Report, the Packers plan to bring in South Carolina's T.J. Sanders for a visit. Sanders recorded 4.5 sacks, and 33 pressures, and posted the 9th-best PFF pass-rush grade among defensive tackles in 2024.
Sanders is an explosive 6'4", 284-pound defensive tackle with the ability to disrupt both the run and pass game. In 2024, he recorded a 21.2% pass-rush win rate and an 11.2% run-stop win rate. Over the past two seasons at South Carolina, he totaled 60 pressures, 10 sacks, and 54 stops.
Bleacher Report has T.J. Sanders projected as a Day 2 pick. With fewer picks this year compared to the last two drafts, Brian Gutekunst could look to trade down in the second round and secure Sanders while adding an extra selection. Green Bay should have opportunities to land Sanders at the right value without compromising the rest of their board.
Kenny Clark isn’t getting any younger, and with Devonte Wyatt entering the final year of his rookie deal, the Packers need to add depth to the defensive line. They must be prepared for the possibility that both starters may not be on the 2026 roster. Sanders could have the opportunity to learn from Clark this season before potentially stepping into a starting role next year.
