The Green Bay Packers must improve their pass rush to take the next step in 2025.
Part of it falls on the players under contract. The Packers need far more production from Rashan Gary, Kenny Clark, and Lukas Van Ness, and the hope is that a defensive line coach change will help that process.
Gutekunst will likely prioritize the pass rush this offseason, which he hinted at during his NFL Combine press conference.
One draft prospect to watch is Texas A&M pass-rusher Shemar Stewart. His name continues to get linked to the Packers, including in a recent mock draft from NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah.
Stewart dominated at the Senior Bowl and has All-Pro potential. A strong performance at this week's combine could skyrocket his draft stock and potentially take him out of the Packers' range. The concern is his lack of college production, having registered only 4.5 sacks across three seasons at Texas A&M.
It may take time for Stewart to reach his potential in the NFL, but he could become a star in Jeff Hafley's defense. Stewart understands that and sent a crystal-clear message to any team considering passing on him.
Shemar Stewart sends a blunt message to teams that overlook him in the 2025 NFL Draft
What is Stewart's message to teams that overlook him? You'll regret it.
"If you don't pick me, just know I'm bringing hell to your city," Stewart said, via Ellie French of WLUK-TV FOX 11.
It's not the first time this offseason that Stewart has delivered an incredible line during an interview. After making a highlight-reel bull rush during the Senior Bowl, he said, "I told No. 52 I was going to run through his face and then I ran through his face."
Teams may have concerns over his lack of production, but the Packers haven't been afraid to take that risk in the past. Rashan Gary made just 10.5 sacks in three seasons at Michigan, including only 3.5 in his junior year. Lukas Van Ness made 6.5 sacks in his final college season and never started a game for Iowa.
Gutekunst is willing to bank on traits and potential over college production.
The Packers could be in play for Stewart when they hit the clock at No. 23 overall, although that could change if he posts incredible testing numbers at the NFL Combine.
It won't be surprising if Stewart is high on Green Bay's board, and the Texas A&M pass-rusher has made it perfectly clear why teams should draft him.