The Unpacking Future Packers countdown is a countdown of the 100 prospects the Green Bay Packers could select 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 fresh defensive line coach after that group failed to consistently play at a high level throughout the season.
Once the Packers find a fresh voice for this room, Brian Gutekunst will focus on adding more talent to this group.
A player Gutekunst could keep an eye on during the 2025 NFL Draft is Tyler Baron. Miami’s defense ranks 90th in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
After transferring from Tennessee, Baron recorded 11 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in his only season in Miami.
“Miami wanted to add depth to its top defensive line, and adding an SEC starter like Baron helped solidify one of the better defensive lines in America,” Alex Donno, host of the Locked On Canes podcast. “Baron has had a phenomenal start to the season, which was a huge boost for the Hurricanes as fellow starter Rueben Bain was injured in the first game. Although the Hurricanes defense was shaky for most of the season, most of the problems were with the backline, not the front four. Baron finished the year with a team-leading 5.5 sacks.
Baron owns an NFL frame, standing at 6-5 and 260 pounds. The Hurricane defense has a good mix of speed and power. He wins a corner kick with his speed and long steps. Shows burst in pursuit and finished last season with 48 pressures. The former Tennessee Volunteer does a nice job orchestrating a slippery rush up the middle. He has a diverse suite of pass-rush moves and can win with speed and power.
“He brings a variety of quick passes and the ability to switch from speed to power, as well as keeping the right attacking line,” Donno said. “He can play standing up or with his hands in the ground.”
Baron has forceful hands that can shock and separate from blocks. As a rear defender, he has the chasing speed needed to track down ball carriers. According to Professional focus on footballBaron has recorded 48 stops over the last two seasons.
“Baron showed some inconsistencies in the running game,” Donno said. “Especially in games in Miami against Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech, he often failed to gain leverage and seemed to be working as an independent player too often. It seemed more like a lack of discipline than a physical restraint on his part.”
Fits the Packers
During Jeff Hafley’s first season as defensive coordinator, Green Bay’s passing rush has been both scorching and icy. In Weeks 15 and 16, Green Bay recorded 10 sacks and 64 pressures.
This is a dominant two-week stretch. Unfortunately, too often in key games this season, Green Bay’s passing rush has faltered. They’ll have to fix that this offseason. Whether it’s Rashan Gary rebounding or Lukas Van Ness enjoying a breakout season in his third year in the league, the Packers need someone up front to become a dominant force capable of taking over games.
Baron, like Green Bay’s pass rush, can look dominant for an extended period of time and then go dormant. Baron started his Miami career with a bang, recording 4.5 sacks in the first three weeks, and only had one sack the rest of the season. It’s worth noting, however, that Baron’s sack count may not be off the charts, as he had a four-week break mid-season when he recorded 23 presses.
“It would be hard to overlook his physicality and elite NFL size,” Donno said. “I would, however, dispense with two cautions. The first would be the inconsistencies mentioned above regarding his running stops. Secondly, it’s worth noting that in some games, like Miami’s first game against Florida, he seemed unblockable, while in others his contributions were serene. He is a player who is on streaks and needs to find more consistency.
The Packers need to add strength to their pass rush group. While Barron’s is far from a finished product, there’s no denying it has potential. With his build, speed and power, Baron has the tools to develop into a force off the edge.
