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Matt LaFleur, head coach of the Green Bay Packers during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The Green Bay Packers have had a rollercoaster offseason thus far. Fans have been excited about the additions of Zaire Franklin, Javon Hargrave, and Skyy Moore, but the team has lost a lot of talent as well.

Among the notable departures are quarterback Malik Willis, wide receiver Romeo Doubs, linebacker Quay Walker, offensive linemen Elgton Jenkins and Rasheed Walker, cornerback Nate Hobbs, and pass rusher Rashan Gary.

Brian Gutekunst and the front office have work to do in order to power the Packers into Super Bowl contention this year. While the front office have been quiet so far, there is still plenty of time to dip into free agency or the trade market and the 2026 NFL Draft is coming up in just over a month.

Looking at the roster, there are a couple of potential needs that must be addressed. Green Bay needs cornerback help, could use another pass rusher, a backup quarterback, and could also use more depth on the offensive line.

A new update has connected the Packers to an intriguing pass rusher.

Green Bay Packers Interested in NFL Draft Pass Rusher

Easton Butler of Packer Report has shared that Green Bay spent quite a bit of time talking with Missouri edge rusher Zion Young at his pro day.

“The Packers spent a good while talking with Missouri EDGE Zion Young at his Pro Day,” Butler wrote on X.

Young has been a popular prospect ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. He has received quite a few projections of being a late first-round pick, although there are a lot of second-round predictions for him as well.

After trading two first-round picks for Micah Parsons last offseason, the Packers will not be on the clock until pick No. 52 overall in the second round. Young does not have a great chance of being available that late in the draft.

Gutekunst has never been shy to move around in the NFL Draft. If Green Bay likes Young enough, a trade up could be a potential option for the Packers.

Zion Young Has Been Compared to Former Packers Star

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein believes that the young Missouri pass rusher compares to former Green Bay star Za’Darius Smith.

In addition to that comparison, Zierlein believes that Young could make an immediate impact for whoever drafts him. He shared some of his thoughts in his scouting report.

“He has the power to bull rush or drive through edges, but lacks instincts and variety in his rush approach,” Zierlein wrote. “His NFL pressure production will lag behind without better go-to moves and counters. Young’s physical tools and rugged demeanor give him a chance to be an instant run-stopping upgrade with average rush.”

Young played four years of college football, the first two coming at Michigan State before playing his final two years with the Tigers. He totaled 130 tackles, 11.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and five defended passes.

At least for now, Young is a name worth keeping an eye on as the NFL Draft draws closer.

Evan Massey Evan Massey is a sports reporter and analyst located in Indianapolis, Indiana who covers the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, and college sports. He has been featured on many publications, including Newsweek, Athlon Sports, ESPN, Yahoo! Sports, Forbes, Bleacher Report, Sporting News, and many others. In his free time, Evan enjoys spending time with his wife and son. More about Evan Massey