The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL Draft.
THE Green Bay Packers Pass Rush needs a shot in the arm this offseason. They are currently looking for a new defensive line coach after that group failed to consistently play at a high level throughout the season.
Once the Packers find a new voice for this room, Brian Gutekunst will focus on adding more talent to this group.
One player Gutekunst could target in the 2025 NFL Draft is Tyler Baron. The Miami defensive end ranks No. 90 on the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.
A transfer from Tennessee, Baron recorded 11 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in his lone season in Miami.
“Miami wanted to establish premier depth on the defensive line, and adding an SEC starter like Baron helped solidify one of the best defensive lines in America,” Alex Donno, host of the Locked On Canes podcast. “Baron has had a fantastic start to the season and it has been such a boost for the Hurricanes since his compatriot Rueben Bain was injured in the first game. Although the Hurricanes’ defense was shaky for much of the season, most of their issues were at the backline and not the front four. Baron finished the year tied for the team lead with 5.5 sacks.
Baron has an NFL frame, standing 6-5 and weighing 260 pounds. The Hurricane defensive end has a good mix of speed and power. He wins the turn quickly and with long strides. He shows burst in pursuit and finished last season with 48 pressures. The former Tennessee Volunteer does a good job setting up a sliding interior run. He has a diverse set of passing moves and can win with speed and power.
“He brings a diversity of passing moves and an ability to move from speed to power and keep the offensive line guessing,” Donno said. “He can play standing up or with his hand in the dirt.”
Baron has strong hands to shock and separate from blocks. He has the pursuit speed to track down ball carriers as a fullback. According to Focus on professional footballBaron has recorded 48 running stops over the past two seasons.
“In the running game, Baron showed some inconsistencies,” Donno said. “In Miami’s games against Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech, in particular, he often failed to gain the lead and seemed too independent. It seemed more like a lack of discipline than any physical limitation on his part.
In line with the Packers
In Jeff Hafley’s first season as defensive coordinator, Green Bay’s pass rush has been a bit hot and cold. In Weeks 15 and 16, Green Bay’s pass rush recorded 10 sacks and 64 pressures.
This is a dominant two-week period. Unfortunately, too often, Green Bay’s pass rush has gone silent in critical games this season. This is something they will need to address this offseason. Whether it comes from Rashan Gary’s rebounding or Lukas Van Ness having a breakout campaign in his third year in the league, the Packers need someone up front to become a dominant force capable of taking over control of matches.
Baron, like Green Bay’s pass rush, can look dominant for stretches, then lie dormant. Baron started his Miami career with a bang, recording 4.5 sacks in the first three weeks, then had just one the rest of the season. However, it’s worth noting that Baron’s sack numbers may not come out of the score, he had a four-week stretch in the middle of the season where he recorded 23 pressures.
“His elite physique and size in the NFL would be hard to pass up,” Donno said. “I would, however, like to issue two warnings. The first would be the aforementioned inconsistencies regarding his running stoppage. The other would be to note that in some games, like Miami’s opener against Florida, he seems unblockable, while in other games his contributions have been understated. He is a regular player who needs to find more consistency.
The Packers need to add some juice to their pass-rush group. Although Barron is far from a finished product, there is no denying his potential. With his size, speed and power, Baron has the tools necessary to become an extraordinary force.
