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One of the many lessons Super Bowl LIX taught football fans was that a front-seven could never have too many pass-rushers.
Versatility and diversity up front made the Philadelphia Eagles' defense dominant on their way to a Super Bowl win. Meanwhile, Green Bay’s defense ranked 27th in pass rush win rate last season. Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary (per PFF) combined for 132 pressures and 20 sacks in 2023, but in 2024, those numbers dropped to 83 pressures and 10 sacks—a decline of nearly 50 pressures and 10 sacks year over year.
Green Bay made valuable additions to strengthen the pass rush through the 2025 NFL Draft, and one NFL analyst projects that a rookie will provide Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley with a much-needed boost in the front seven.
"The Packers were tied for the highest percentage of snaps in zone coverage last season at 70.2%, but I think defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley wants more man coverage," ESPN's Field Yates wrote.
"He just didn't have the right personnel. The best way to help corners in man coverage is having an impactful pass rush. (Barryn) Sorrell brings value because of his versatility, as Texas did a very good job of letting him rush from multiple alignments, including as an interior rusher. That's a blueprint Green Bay can follow."
Sorrell is coming off a career-best season at Texas, recording highs in pressures, sacks, and tackles. He lined up across the defensive line and had the talent to be a Day 2 pick.
"A three-year starter at Texas, Sorrell lined up primarily on the edge (five- and six-technique) in defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski’s front,” The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote in his draft guide.
"A dependable player over his 40 starts in Austin, he showed gradual improvements each season and didn't receive enough credit in 2024 for his impact on Texas' third-ranked defense," Brugler added. "As a pass rusher, Sorrell flashes bully hands and an aggressive snatch attack (which became his signature move), locking out and pulling the balance of blockers away from them (led Texas with 49 pressures in 2024, despite finishing fourth on the team in sacks)."
The Packers needed help off the edge. Rashan Gary led the team with 47 pressures last season, but ranked only 31st among qualified edge rushers. Sorrell may not start immediately, but he is a solid addition to the rotation and gives Jeff Hafley another valuable option up front.
More must-reads:
- Giants' Jaxson Dart discusses how he has already improved during training camp
- Jets RB Breece Hall opens up about uncertain future amid rumors
- The 'Single-season sack leaders by NFL team' quiz
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All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe
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