Linebacker Brenton Cox’s emergence in his second NFL season was one of the major bright spots for the Packers during the 2024 campaign.
The former undrafted free agent was one of Green Bay’s breakout stars on coordinator Jeff Hafley’s defense, posting four sacks in seven games, while adding 12 total tackles, one forced fumble, and five tackles for loss.
While Cox lacks the pedigree of some of the Packers other front-seven defenders, including rookie revelation Edgerrin Cooper, he flashed the kind of athleticism that offers Green Bay tantalizing upside from here.
Cox says that he has some specific offseason goals he hopes to accomplish in order to elevate his game and productivity in 2025, perhaps even in an expanded role on the defense.
“Mostly just me growing within the game, knowing the game speed and everything,” Cox said after the season, via the team’s official website. “What it takes to really beat a great offensive tackle. I’m going to work on that in the offseason, just keep it going and hopefully don’t get too high, don’t get too low.”
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Continuing his improvement overcoming and shedding blockers against top tackles could be Cox’s ticket to extended playing time next fall.
According to Pro Football Focus, Cox logged 17 pressures in his limited playing time last season.
Cox also seems to have made a strong impression on Hafley.
“He’s athletic, he’s got good speed to power, he’s strong and he showed that he can finish,” Hafley said. “And he’s getting good at running games, too, which has been fun to watch.”
More Green Bay Packers News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- Packers Expected to Pursue Elite Playmaker to Help Jordan Love
- Packers Top WR Target Shines at Senior Bowl
- Packers Top Draft prospect was destroying people at the Senior Bowl
- Packers Linked to Blockbuster Trade for Two-Time All-Pro
For More Football News:
Follow Matt Lombardo on Threads at @MattLombardoNFL. To read more of our articles and in-depth NFL coverage, click here.
