Packers could target these Boston College defensive standouts in the 2025 draft to reunite with Jeff Hafley in Green Bay
Jeff Hafley spent four years as the Boston College head coach, enough time to make a big impact on the team's recruiting process. And this year, two of his defensive players have consensus draftable grades—edge defender Donovan Ezeiruaku and interior defensive lineman Cam Horsley.Based on the Green Bay Packers' scouting structure, a defensive coordinator won't […]
Jeff Hafley spent four years as the Boston College head coach, enough time to make a big impact on the team's recruiting process. And this year, two of his defensive players have consensus draftable grades—edge defender Donovan Ezeiruaku and interior defensive lineman Cam Horsley.
Based on the Green Bay Packers' scouting structure, a defensive coordinator won't have much say about who the team will or won't draft. But after one year in the franchise, Hafley gained a lot of respect inside the building.
"Jeff Hafley did an amazing job coming in here in Year 1. Those guys really grew together," general manager Brian Gutekunst said after the season. "We were playing our best football on defense at the end of the year. I'm a big believer that every year is a different year, but I do think some of the things we went through this year with a number of rookies playing a lot of snaps for us, along with X (Xavier McKinney) coming in from another team, so I think as those guys grow together, that communication will consistently get better and better. Really excited about where the defense is right now."
Donovan Ezeiruaku, a productive pass rusher
Ezeiruaku is the better prospect, the 31st player on this year's consensus big board. The big problem for the Packers is that he's undersized, and Green Bay usually likes bigger bodies. But Ezeiruaku is absurdly productive and was recruited by Hafley at BC.
Last season, the edge rusher had 16.5 sacks, with 60 total pressures. According to PFF, he was elite in pass rush grade, pass rush win rate, and true pass set pass rush grade. He was also really good as a run defender.
Jon Helmkamp wrote his scouting report for A to Z Sports, mentioning that "the pros outweigh the cons in a major way with Ezeiruaku, providing a ton of speed and production to a defensive front in an increasingly fast game. His speed, whether chasing after quarterbacks or running down players from behind, is a perfect fit in today's NFL."
Cam Horsley, an impressive run defender
Horsley is the 294th player on the consensus board, so he might be a late-round prospect or even go undrafted. However, he brings valuable elements to the game as a potential depth piece on the interior of the defensive line. Average as a pass rusher, he is a really good run defender. In 2024, he had seven tackles for loss, 42 combined tackles, and even three passes defended because of his presence at the line of scrimmage.
The Packers lost TJ Slaton in free agency, and Horsley could be part of the puzzle to replace him. Besides Kenny Clark, the Packers don't have much, since Devonte Wyatt and Karl Brooks are weak run defenders and pass rush specialists.
Earlier this offseason, the Packers gave former BC linebacker Isaiah McDuffie a two-year extension. If more pieces with familiarity with Jeff Hafley make sense in the draft, Brian Gutekunst would have good reasons to pull the trigger.
Packers lock up player Jeff Hafley loves ahead of free agency, putting former first-rounder’s future in question
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