Matt LaFleur sounds off on key area Packers must improve on after Cardinals win 2 GLENDALE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 19: Head coach Matt Lafleur of the Green Bay Packers and head coach Jonathan Gannon of the Arizona Cardinals talk before a game at State Farm Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Packers showing interest in explosive pass rusher

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Mar 20, 2026 3:44 PM ET

The Packers could be about to make a big investment on defense during the upcoming NFL Draft.

After trading for linebacker Zaire Franklin, but also shipping edge rusher Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys in a trade just as free agency began, the Packers still need to find a complementary edge presence to pair opposite Micah Parsons and hold things down opposite Lukas Van Ness as the All-Pro works his way back from a torn ACL.

The NFL Draft could present a solid opportunity for the Packers to find big-time pass rush value.

NFL Draft: Dani Dennis-Sutton on Packers’ radar

Explosive Penn State pass rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton has seen his draft stock surge following a strong showing at the NFL Combine, on the heels of a second consecutive 8.5-sack season in Happy Valley to close his collegiate career.

Wednesday, after he finished going through on-field drills at the Nittany Lions’ Pro Day, Dennis-Sutton spent some extended time chatting with the Packers’ scout in attendance at Holuba Hall.

Across four seasons in Happy Valley, Dennis-Sutton produced 23.5 sacks, while also emerging as one of the most respected veteran leaders inside the program.

With the Packers currently lacking a first-round pick following the Micah Parsons trade, Brian Gutekunst must prioritize finding immediate-impact contributors on Day 2 to maintain the defense’s aggressive edge.

If Dennis-Sutton’s elite athletic testing and high-motor play translate to Jonathan Gannon’s scheme, he could quickly become the ideal “power-rusher” counterpart to complement Parsons’ speed and solidify Green Bay’s revamped front seven for 2026.

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

More must-reads: