Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Packers linked to adding 12.5-sack edge-rusher

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Aug 28, 2025 4:25 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers have built one of the NFL’s top ascending young rosters, but few weaknesses are more glaring than at edge-rusher.

Lukas Van Ness has yet to show he’s capable of living up to his billing as a former first-round pick, a Rashan Gary breakout has been a hope for the Packers for about the past three seasons and beyond that, Green Bay doesn’t have much depth at the position.

That could change during the 2026 NFL Draft.

Could Packers prioritize an edge-rusher in 2026 NFL Draft?

CBS NFL Draft analyst Mike Renner put together a way-too-early 2026 NFL mock draft, with the Packers selecting Oregon edge-rusher Matayo Uiagalelei in the first round next April.

“Matayo Uiagalelei is decidedly the Packers type of edge,” Renner wrote. “Strong, long, and athletic — he ticks the physical boxes. If both Lukas Van Ness and Rashan Gary don’t turn things around this season, the Packers will be in the market for a pass-rusher.”

Through his first two seasons, Uiagalelei has posted 12.5 sacks in Eugene, and if he comes close to replicating that at the next level next September, it’s easy to see him making a major impact on a Packers’ defense desperate for a difference maker up front.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: