Tomorrow the Green Bay Packers kick off the 2025 NFL Preseason against Green Bay Ea… err I mean the New York Jets.
24 hours out, I am still asking the same two questions that have been swirling around Packers fans’ minds everywhere.
“Will the secondary hold up?“
“Will they get pressure on the QB?“
I believe Packers GM Brian Gutekunst addressed this concern in Round 4 of the 2025 NFL Draft by picking up Defensive End Barryn Sorrell.
Green Bay Packers Lackluster Pass Rush in 2024
I want to preface this all by saying that I was ecstatic to see the improvement of the Packers 2024 Defense with new DC Jeff Hafley at the helm.
The Good
It was a quadruple take moment when I saw that the Packers were top 10 in the NFL against the run last season, not to mention allowing less than 100 yards rushing in 6 of their last 7 games!
In fact, the Packers ranked 6th in 2024 with a run stop win percentage of 33%. It seemed like all our prayers had been answered. However, their inability to get home to the quarterback on passing downs ultimately cast a dark shadow over the miracle of watching them do what we all asked the football Gods to allow for years…..
The Bad
Passing was certainly the Achilles heel for last year’s defense. While interceptions and blitzes are great, the lack of consistent pressure was on full display.
Green Bay’s pass defense ranked among the worst in the NFL last year with opposing quarterbacks having a 67.4% completion rate against the Packers secondary, totalling 3,595 yards at 7 yards per attempt. While they put up 17 interceptions, you cannot rely solely on takeaways to win games.
Without pressure on the quarterback it doesn’t matter how talented the defensive back room is. Wide receivers will always gain the advantage as a play drags on.
Enter Barryn Sorrell
Barryn Sorrell is player that embodies the culture of the Green Bay Packers. Every interview I’ve seen with this young man paints the picture of a mature, focussed, and hungry young talent.
You need not look any further than draft day in Green Bay to see how special this guy is.
Check out the video below showing how this Texas standout waited in football mecca to hear his name called by none other than the hometown team.
From NOLA to TX
Barryn Sorrell committed to playing for The University of Texas at Austin (UT) after first commiting to Northwestern. Check out the video below of the 3 Star Recruit out of New Orleans talking about his decision to be a Longhorn.
College Career Stats
First let’s take a look at the measurables.
Barryn played 4 years in Texas, recording 132 tackles, 26 tackles for a loss, 15.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. He is also coming off a career high in all of the above in his senior year.
Here’s what to expect according to local publication LonghornsWire.
“Sorrell routinely wins against tight ends and backs, has great hands at contact and fights his way to the quarterback even after initially being blocked. His consistency is a huge plus in addition to his positional versatility.
He projects as an instant-impact player as an early-down defender with great upside to become a well-rounded force on the defensive line.“
Check out these highlights if you want to get real excited about this guy lining up opposite Rashan Gary.
Welcome to the Green Bay Packers
Barryn’s opening press conference with the Packers media was, in a word, heartfelt.
His humble and gracious demeanor reflect a player wise beyond his young years, and will certainly fit right in at 1265 Lombardi Avenue.
The Opportunity Is There For Barryn To Have Breakout Rookie Season
Last year we all saw the drop off in production from star players like Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary. While Gary led the team in sacks at 7.5, it was a noticeable regression compared to previous years. Kenny Clark also battled through injury throughout the 2024 campaign, and hopefully we see a return to form in 2025.
With the addedd uncertainty surrouning 3rd year Defensive End Lukas Van Ness, Sorrell may be exactly what the doctor ordered. While I am hoping to see Van Ness live up to the hype as a former first rounder, his first 2 seasons certainly fell flat. However, DC Jeff Hafley spoke very glowingly of LVN coming out of training camp.
“He’s a year older. He’s got another year in the scheme. I think he’s starting to understand the position, how to use his hands, how to set edges, some pass rush tools, some counter moves. It was a good offseason for him truthfully. He did a good job at OTAs and then he left here and he put in a lot of work. He came back in really good shape, he’s healthy. I think he’s starting to feel comfortable.” (Green Bay Packers Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley)
Whether or not LVN takes that next step, I think Barryn may end up being one of the best draft picks in recenty years for the Green Bay Packers, and I think this guy is going to be a PROBLEM for opposing offensive lineman.
I’ll leave it to HC Matt LaFleur for final thoughts on Barryn’s development.
Coming To Town With A Friend…
Sorrell will also be hitting the field alongside this year’s 1st Round Pick and fellow Longhorn, Matthew Golden. Click the link below to see how Barryn waited until 1:00 AM to congratulate his Texas teammate on being drafted by the green and gold.
Barryn Sorrell Drafted Alongside Fellow Longhorn Matthew Golden
While Georgia has recently been seen as the Packers development team, this certainly looks to be the year of the Longhorn instead of the Bulldog.
Keep your eyes on Sorrell during preseason, I gaurantee you will end up saying you got to watch a superstar in the making come up!
I’ll leave it to HC Matt LaFleur for final thoughts on Barryn’s potential
Watch the Packers in person this season by getting your tickets from Ticket King. Click the image below and avoid using those national chains like Seat Geek and StubHub. Use a Wisconsin based business for all your Packers ticket needs!
