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Packers late-round rookie sends a message that might get him on the field a lot in 2025

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Wendell Ferreira | Last updated May 7, 2025 12:41 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers selected Warren Brinson in the sixth round of the draft with a clear goal in mind. After losing TJ Slaton in free agency, they needed a replacement for the ability to stop the run through the middle—last year, Slaton led the NFL in run stop win rate amongst defensive linemen.

In his final season at Georgia, Brinson solidified himself as a stout run defender, and this is his calling card entering the NFL.

But to play more snaps in Jeff Hafley's defense, he has to offer some pass rush ability from the interior. In 2024, he had a viable 10.1% pass rush win rate, and his willingness to learn can make him get more playing time.

"I mean, it's the NFL, so I got to get out in the preseason to see where I'm at. Honestly, I think I'm a very good pass rusher, but I can't just be too cocky about it," Brinson said during the Packers rookie minicamp. "I got to work hard, I got to ask Kenny (Clark) some stuff, just learn from the guys around me, get into practice, and just hear what they have to tell me. I'm trying to be a sponge and just soak in all the information, just find out the nuances of the NFL that I need to know to be elite and be ahead of other people."

"Brinson is fairly stout against the run and works to keep his arms locked out to find the ball and create stuff. He has explosive moments when he is given the freedom to pursue the pocket, but he’ll need to be better with his hands and overall rush plan to get NFL blockers off balance." — Dane Brugler, The Athletic.

The Packers usually prioritize character and what the team brings to the locker room. This year, it was especially evident, and Warren Brinson is a great example. Smart and well articulated, he dreams of working at ESPN after his football career ends.

Before that, though, he wants to be a leader in the locker room from the get go to prove his value for the organization.

"My goal is to do my best to learn my part, do my job, and just be a leader for the guys around me," Brinson added. "I'm a rookie, but I still can lead by example by just doing my job, doing my part, staying in my playbook, and doing the right things."

The Packers have Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, and Colby Wooden as part of the defensive line rotation.

As a sixth-rounder, Warren Brinson will fight for a roster spot with Nazir Stackhouse, James Ester, Nesta Jade Silvera, and Keith Randolph Jr. But the rookie is ready to be more than just a bottom of the roster type, and his attitude shows he's ready to fight for real playing time in 2025.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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