Penetrating DT leads the group of Packers defensive UDFAs to keep an eye on
A subplot of the Green Bay Packers carrying so much talent from 2023 to 2024 and having so many draft picks year after year is that there isn't much space for undrafted players. Because of that, this year's UDFA class in Green Bay has only two defensive players: defensive tackle James Ester and off-ball linebacker […]
A subplot of the Green Bay Packers carrying so much talent from 2023 to 2024 and having so many draft picks year after year is that there isn't much space for undrafted players. Because of that, this year's UDFA class in Green Bay has only two defensive players: defensive tackle James Ester and off-ball linebacker Ralen Goforth.
For the sake of this piece, we will also add long snapper Peter Bowden, who has a real chance of making the roster.
Three UDFAs to watch on defense/special teams
DT James Ester
Ester played five college seasons and was a team captain, which seems to be a recent Packers trend. He is a good fit for what the Packers are trying to build with new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, a penetrating interior of the defensive line.
Last year, Ester had a career-high 24 pressures and four sacks, according to PFF. He was also the 23rd highest-graded interior defensive lineman in run defense grade.
He isn't overly athletic, posting a 4.12 Relative Athletic Score, which certainly didn't help his profile. According to Dane Brugler, from The Athletic's draft guide The Beast, James Ester is the 34th best defensive tackle of the class.
LB Ralen Goforth
Goforth is more of a long shot, and it was understandable that top UDFA linebackers wouldn't want to sign with the Packers after they drafted Edgerrin Cooper and Ty'Ron Hopper on day 2.
Goforth is the 93rd off-ball linebacker on Dane Brugler's rankings, but he is a hard-hitter as you can see on this play against Cam Rising when Goforth played at USC.
He transferred to Washington for his final collegiate season. Last year, he had three pass breakups, which is a solid trait to have in today's NFL. Goforth also played 452 special teams snaps, an important ability to have as a bottom-of-the-roster piece.
LS Peter Bowden
We have written more about Peter Bowden here. He is a former Wisconsin player, so Packers fans might know him very well. He is the consensus best long snapper of the class, an opinion shared by Dane Brugler.
Considering the Packers' lack of confidence in veteran Matthew Orzech, who signed a three-year deal last offseason, Green Bay can realistically go the young route to keep a player with a lower salary and a higher ceiling.
Experienced lineman leads the group of Packers offensive UDFAs to keep an eye on
Donovan Jennings played six college seasons
