Green Bay Packers 2025 Draft Target: T.J. Sanders Could Be the Answer on Defense
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a pivotal one for the Green Bay Packers, especially when it comes to reshaping the heart of their defense. While the offense continues to evolve under Jordan Love, it’s the defensive trenches that demand immediate attention—and ignoring them could prove costly.
A Defensive Reset on the Horizon
Green Bay’s interior defensive line is on shaky ground. Kenny Clark, a long-time staple and leader of the unit, will be turning 30 this October. Despite his experience, his production dipped in 2024, managing just one sack all season. Even more alarming is his staggering $31 million cap hit in 2025, raising serious doubts about his long-term future with the team.
On the other side, Devonte Wyatt, a former first-round pick, enters a make-or-break contract year. Although he has shown flashes, injuries and inconsistency have held him back—missing 10 games over three seasons with only 10 sacks to his name.
Youngsters like Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden have added depth, but neither has developed into a reliable starter. With so much uncertainty, the Packers must reload in the trenches, and the upcoming draft offers a golden opportunity to do just that.
2025 Draft: A Hidden Gem in Day 2
Fortunately for Green Bay, the 2025 defensive tackle class is loaded with talent—and they don’t need to burn a first-round pick to find a difference-maker.
Enter T.J. Sanders, a high-upside disruptor out of South Carolina, who has become one of the most buzzed-about interior linemen ahead of the draft. Sanders combines athletic explosiveness, raw power, and elite pass-rush technique—exactly what the Packers need to rejuvenate their D-line.
In 2024, Sanders recorded 4.5 sacks, 33 pressures, and ranked 9th in Pro Football Focus pass-rush grades among defensive tackles. He also notched a 21.2% pass-rush win rate, showing he can collapse the pocket consistently.
What Makes T.J. Sanders Special?
At the NFL Combine, Sanders turned heads with a 9.38 Relative Athletic Score (RAS)—including elite marks in explosion and burst. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 295 pounds, he has the ideal frame for a 3-tech or hybrid interior rusher. More than just measurables, Sanders brings real game impact:
- 60 total pressures over the last two seasons
- 10 sacks and 54 run stops
- Hand-usage mastery and sharp instincts against the run
He’s not just a stats guy—he passes the eye test with flying colors.
Perfect Fit for Green Bay’s Evolving Scheme
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is set to implement a more aggressive, attacking style in 2025, moving away from the bend-but-don’t-break philosophy. In this new scheme, a player like Sanders could thrive.
Imagine a rotation with Wyatt, Sanders, and Brooks, offering fresh legs, versatility, and consistent interior pressure. If the Packers do move on from Clark next offseason, Sanders could slide right into a starting role.
The Bottom Line: Build the Future, Now
The Packers have done a great job in recent years drafting and developing talent. But to stay competitive in a loaded NFC, they need to invest in the trenches—and T.J. Sanders may just be the Day 2 steal who unlocks the next level of this defense.
Brian Gutekunst and the front office can’t afford to play it safe. If Sanders is on the board when Green Bay picks in the second round, it’s time to swing for the fences.
