The Green Bay Packers have a plethora of young talent on their team. The offense, especially, will be looking to their rookie wide receivers and tight ends to make an immediate impact. This is, of course, out of necessity as there are no substantial veterans at those positions. The defense, however, is made up of plenty of veteran players with a wealth of experience. That being said, one of the Packers’ defensive rookies is the one draft pick that The Athletic believes is a sleeper that will contribute immediately.
Green Bay Packers Rookie Karl Brooks Named as Sleeper Play Maker
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According to Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic:
“In reality, it could take Brooks a minute to settle in. If Green Bay finds the right spot for him early enough, though, he has the type of traits that can cause disruption, even if it’s just situationally as a pass rusher.
“Brooks is unique. He’s a 6-3, 296-pounder who played outside linebacker/edge in college, ran a 5.08 40 and has short arms (31 1/2 inches). But he also had 27 1/2 sacks (including 17 1/2 over the last two years) and was one of college football’s most prolific pass rushers during his career. Brooks has a terrific first step, plays with great bend and understands how to work his upper/lower body together in concert. He has an advanced pass-rush plan.
“Finding his fit will be critical, but Green Bay could have a fun player on its hands.”
During the past two seasons at Bowling Green, Brooks accumulated an incredible 30.5 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks. In 2022 alone, he had 18.0 tackles for loss and 10.0 sacks. The Packers’ pass rush was minimal with Rashan Gary last season, but could end up being one of the best in the NFL if Lukas Van Ness and Brooks can make immediate impact. Add in a healthy Gary, and Joe Barry’s defense should be a very exciting one.
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