On Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Combine, the Green Bay Packers witnessed loads of edge-rushing talent showcase their strength and athleticism. In terms of scouting, the Packers should be looking to improve their pass rush and quarterback pressure with some of the earlier picks they possess in the 2025 NFL Draft. Here are three players who impressed on the first day of action that the Packers may want to add to their list of potential picks.
Edge Rusher Prospects the Packers Should Focus on After Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Combine
Jah Joyner, ED, Minnesota
Jah Joyner impressed on the first day of the combine and drew a lot of attention purely because of his unreal speed for his size. The 262-pound senior out of Minnesota posted a 4.61 in the 40-yard dash and hit a top speed of 22.58 miles per hour, the fastest among edge rushing prospects. The Golden Gopher also posits an advantageous frame as far as his arms and wingspan are concerned, allowing him to be more dangerous in the pass rush as a pass blocker.
His versatility and size make it easy for the Packers to find a role for him on a lackluster defensive line. Jeff Hafley may choose to place him on the interior in certain scenarios because of his larger size compared to the typical edge rusher. Yet, achieving a position best for speed in the Pass Rush Drill makes it hard to not utilize that on the outside as much as you can.
Joyner is reasonably far down the list of edge rushers that will be selected in the draft, making him a sneaky pick in the later rounds if the Packers choose to focus on addressing other positions earlier on. If available, taking a chance on the kid may be in Brian Gutekunsts’ best interest.
4⃣.6⃣1⃣ OFFICIALLY
@Jahjoyner2 dropped the fourth-fastest 40 time by a DE/Edge at the 2025 NFL Combine!#RTB #SkiUMah #Gophers pic.twitter.com/iazLGFDXgy
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) February 27, 2025
Shemar Stewart, ED, Texas A&M
Stewart is an obvious choice for the Packers if he is available in the latter half of the first round. His performance in the combine made that statement even more true.
The junior out of Texas A&M recorded the second-best vertical jump and the top broad jump on the day while scoring above the 90th percentile in the 40-yard dash. His frame and speed are similar to that of Joyner as the 267-pound edge rusher has a long wingspan that allows him to be a dual threat at the line.
Green Bay may not see the opportunity to even think about drafting Stewart unless they decide to trade up for a pick that guarantees a chance to snatch him up. There is no doubt he would make an immediate impact in the Hafley-led defense.
6’5″ 267 lb DE Shemar Stewart just jumped 40″ in the vert
@AggieFootball @ShemarStewart14
: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork
: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/4zqMpcPwqM
— NFL (@NFL) February 27, 2025
Landon Jackson, ED, Arkansas
Jackson is another edge rusher who impressed at the combine, posting a 40.5-inch vertical jump and 10’9” broad jump to lead all prospects. His 6’6”, 264-pound frame is one you can put on the inside or outside of your defensive line, giving the Packers a little more leeway if they decide to go his way in the draft.
Like Stewart, the senior will likely go in the mid-to-late first round and Green Bay would be lucky to see his name still on the board by the time they are on the clock. In the case he is there, the Packers should not hesitate to select the Razorback.
Arkansas Edge Landon Jackson back at the bag drill
(via @Rivals)
— NFL (@NFL) February 27, 2025
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
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