Second-Round Pass Rusher Deep Dive — My Guys, My Concerns, and My Tape Notes

In this deep dive episode of the Packernet Podcast, host Ryan Schlipp shifts focus to the Packers' potential second-round draft strategy, arguing that edge rusher is the most likely position for a second-round pick to start immediately—more so than any other position. He explains that with Micah Parsons sidelined and Kingsley out, the edge rusher role is wide open, and a second-round pick has a better than 50% chance of starting week one. Schlipp reflects on his own scouting evolution, emphasizing that while physical metrics matter, the real key is watching how a player performs on film—specifically whether they make football look easy, instinctively, and with relentless tenacity. He highlights a growing trend of smaller, agile pass rushers (like Micah Parsons, Will Anderson, and Josh Allen) who excel despite sub-260-pound frames, debunking the myth that size equals run defense capability. Schlipp then breaks down several top second-round edge rusher prospects: Malachi Lawrence (a Micah Parsons-like processor), Romello Hite (a 25-year-old, undersized dynamo with elite production), Joshua Josephs (a polished, technician-style rusher), and Keron Crawford (a physically limited but intelligent player). He expresses cautious excitement for Hite and Josephs, while expressing reservations about R. Mason Thomas, Derek Moore, and Danny Dennis Sutton due to lack of vision and consistency. The episode concludes with Schlipp urging fans to watch film critically and not dismiss players based on size or measurables alone.