Green Bay Packers seemingly interested in intriguing pass-rusher in NFL Draft

The Green Bay Packers could use another edge rusher, and it seems they have their eyes set on one heading into the NFL Draft.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL media, the Packers have scheduled a meeting with Western Michigan standout Marshawn Kneeland this week.

Kneeland is meeting with 16 teams overall, and Rapoport adds that Kneeland is “known far more to teams than to media.”

Given the fact that Kneeland played at a mid-major school, that doesn’t come as too much of a surprise.

Kneeland is coming off of a 2023 campaign in which he registered 28 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and a couple of forced fumbles.

The 22-year-old arrived at Western Michigan in 2020 and had a very limited role during his freshman year, logging 23 tackles, a pair of sacks and a forced fumble.

Kneeland’s playing time increased considerably the following season, as he finished with 32 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Then, in 2022, he totaled 37 stops, 10 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and three passes defended.

His numbers may not be overly impressive, but Kneeland profiles as a potential star on the NFL level due to his size, athleticism and motor.

Kneeland is projected to be a late first or early second-round pick, and with the Packers owning the 25th overall selection, he may very well be available for them.

While Green Bay has more pressing needs than its pass rush, it is something the team will strongly need to consider given that Preston Smith’s future with the club is uncertain and that it doesn’t have a ton of depth on the edge.