Packers found a hidden gem in Barryn Sorrell, whose mentality and football IQ could make him an instant difference-maker on defense
When Days 1 and 2 of the draft passed, Green Bay Packers fans were impatient by the lack of additions at the edge defender position. Barryn Sorrell also had to make a tough decision. After going to Green Bay, would he stay around after not being drafted in the top three rounds? He did, and […]
When Days 1 and 2 of the draft passed, Green Bay Packers fans were impatient by the lack of additions at the edge defender position. Barryn Sorrell also had to make a tough decision. After going to Green Bay, would he stay around after not being drafted in the top three rounds? He did, and it was the perfect decision.
The Packers, host of the draft, took him in the fourth round, with the 124th overall selection, and he had a special moment with the fans.
"It was a really hard decision, already having my mind set in something. Just having that perspective switch for me, that's really what happened. Always try to show attitude of gratitude, and that's kind of what took into place talking to my family, talking to people close to me, having that conversation with the commissioner, NFL legends," Sorrell told The Insiders. "You talk to them and you realize, for some of them it was a 12-round draft back then, and they still went undrafted, still were 11th-round picks. At the end of the day, you're doing something that a lot of people don't do, and that's to go to the NFL, you're gonna get your name called. So just have that perspective switch, and just realize, like, 'My family is here, I'm just gonna sit here and stick it out.' I showed throughout that week what it took to get there, just patience and trust in the process."
Then, Sorrell had a tour around Lambeau Field, which included his first Lambeau Leap. It wasn't necessarily perfect, so he wants to make sure he has more opportunities.
"I'm looking forward to the next one," Sorrell jokingly said. "I'll have my cleats on and my jersey on, so I'll actually be able to get all the way up there. The outfit I had on was not planned for the Lambeau Leap."
Football knowledge
While sacks are the most important plays for a pass rusher, that's not the only way of affecting the game. Even being only 22, Sorrell showed incredible football IQ and understanding of his role within the defense.
"At the end of the day, it's just getting to the quarterback and affecting him in a multitude of ways," Sorrell added. "That's hits, that's hurries, that's getting my hands up, and that's sacking the quarterback. That's the ultimate goal. I'm just ready to go there and be used however they need me too, but also knowing that from Day 1, I'm trying to get out there and reciprocate the energy that the fans, that this community is giving to me. Everybody out there has been giving me the support, just go out there and make plays."
The rookie already had the opportunity to get to know defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, and soon he will be back on the field—the Packers have their rookie minicamp on Friday and Saturday.
In a crowded room with Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare, Brenton Cox, and Arron Mosby, every step of the way is important to have immediate impact for the team. And Barry Sorrell is ready to give everything he has to make that happen.
Packers boost defense with thick and powerful addition who fills a major roster gap and brings a pro-ready impact
Barryn Sorrell is the 124th overall pick
