The Green Bay Packers approach the 2025 NFL Draft with a critical eye on strengthening their roster after a challenging end to the 2024 season. With eight draft picks, they aim to enhance their standing in the NFC as serious contenders. The linebacker position, while not an immediate concern, holds long-term implications. Quay Walker, a young first-round talent, is expected to anchor the defense, but the decision on his fifth-year option looms as a pivotal moment for the franchise's direction.

Currently, the Packers boast a mix of promising young linebackers like Edgerrin Cooper and Ty'Ron Hopper, both signed for multiple years. Their commitment indicates a focus on continuity, though they may tap into the draft for additional depth. With limited top-tier options in this year's linebacker class, the Packers are exploring Day 3 prospects or even potential veteran signings like Isaiah Simmons, underlining their proactive approach.

The Philadelphia Eagles' linebacker duo of Zack Baun and Oren Burks emerged as pivotal players during their Super Bowl run, both having joined the team on modest contracts. Baun's standout season saw him leading the league in tackles and forcing fumbles, earning a lucrative three-year deal worth $51 million. Meanwhile, Oren Burks displayed exceptional performance in the postseason, particularly during the Super Bowl, where he excelled in coverage and overall play. Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers, despite dealing with a fractured ankle, maintained high PFF grades before his injury, showcasing elite coverage skills. Bobby Wagner continued to defy age, demonstrating his value with stellar grades in run defense and tackling, while other emerging linebackers like Edgerrin Cooper and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah also made significant strides.

The Los Angeles Rams continue to showcase their drafting prowess, hitting a home run with their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting outside linebacker Jared Verse from Florida State. Initially overlooked by many teams, Verse's exceptional rookie season has rewritten history, earning him a Pro Bowl selection and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. His escalating performance throughout the season made him a dominant force on the Rams' defense.

Head coach Sean McVay lauded the team's draft strategy, emphasizing the significance of pairing Verse with fellow linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who was also recruited in the draft. Cooper, originally picked by the Green Bay Packers, contributed solidly in his own right with 3.5 sacks over 14 games. The Rams' decision to invest in these talented linebackers solidifies their defensive line for years to come.

The upcoming NFL Draft is generating buzz around the Texas A&M Aggies, who have 11 players eligible for selection. However, only two are currently in the running for first-round consideration. Notably, Daniel Jeremiah from NFL.com projects linebacker Shemar Stewart to be picked by the Green Bay Packers at the 23rd overall spot. Jeremiah highlights the Packers' trend of selecting front-seven players from the SEC, emphasizing Stewart's impressive traits, despite his moderate sack production.

Stewart's college stats include 65 tackles, with 12 for loss and 4.5 sacks. His potential to join the Packers aligns with their recent strategy of recruiting SEC talent, especially on the defensive line. Last season, they chose Edgerrin Cooper, a Texas A&M linebacker who made a significant impact in his rookie year. Stewart's unique combination of size, speed, and length keeps him in the first-round discussion, showcasing the Aggies' strong representation in the draft.

The 2024 NFL season featured remarkable transformations among several players, highlighting a midseason resurgence that changed their trajectories. Among the most notably improved players was Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers, who turned his disappointing start around, posting a grade increase from 51.5 to 86.4 in the second half of the season. Young's comeback included 22 big-time throws, solidifying his position as a potential franchise quarterback.

In a similar vein, Edgerrin Cooper, a rookie linebacker for the Green Bay Packers, showcased outstanding performance, achieving the highest grade among his peers in the second half, which marked his establishment as a future star. Other players like Matthew Stafford and Kenneth Gainwell also made substantial leaps, contributing significantly to their teams' successes as the postseason approach.