Packers hosting versatile edge rusher Keion White on official pre-draft visit
By Paul Bretl
The Green Bay Packers will have Georgia Tech edge rusher Keion White in for an official top 30 prospect visit prior to the draft, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network.
When it comes to what the Packers look for at the edge rusher position, White checks all of those boxes. He has a bigger frame, weighing 285 pounds, and stands 6’4.” He also tested incredibly well at the NFL Combine, posting a near-perfect 9.92 Relative Athletic Score. The highest mark in what is a very deep, athletic, and impressive edge rusher draft class.
White also brings versatility to the position, which we’ve seen the Packers utilize over the years at edge rusher, with Rashan Gary and Za’Darius Smith both lining up inside at times. Of White’s 1,290 career snaps, 997 came as a traditional edge rusher, with another 263 along the interior, according to PFF.
After transferring from Old Dominion following the 2019 season, the majority of White’s collegiate snaps came in 2022. This past season, he recorded 41 pressures, seven sacks and ranked 17th in pass-rush win rate. For what it’s worth, White also ranked 20th among all edge rushers in PFF’s run defense grade—an area where the Packers’ pass rushers as a whole have to improve.
In a draft class that features 18 edge rushers within The Draft Network’s top 100, White is their seventh-ranked edge rusher and the 39th-best player overall. For a closer look at White’s game, here is what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote in his pre-draft report:
"“Athletic big man offering scheme versatility and projectable upside. White has good short-area quickness as well as speed in space. He lacks consistent early phase technique to control the rep, but his recovery talent, hustle, and athletic traits put him in position to get in on the action. His pass rush is predictable and lacks focus, but he’s bendy and could take a big leap forward in this department provided the coaching catches up with the physical gifts. He’s still in the developmental phase, but his physical/athletic profile gives him a chance to become a plus starter as a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive end.”"
Although the Packers have Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, adding to their edge rusher depth should still be a priority this offseason. For one, we do not know when Gary will return from injury, and in his absence for the second half of last season, with many of the same players that are currently on the roster, Green Bay struggled to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback.
With edge rusher being one of the most important positions in football, along with also being a heavily rotated one where four or five players see regular playing time, reliable depth is a must.
In addition to providing the Packers with added help at edge rusher, White, with his versatility and athleticism, would also help Green Bay at the interior position as well–where the Packers also need improved depth and consistency. In Joe Barry’s 3-4 defense, White could end up seeing a lot of snaps at defensive end.
Other reported top 30 meetings that the Packers will have are with Darnell Washington (TE), Will McDonald (Edge), Jammie Robinson (S), Jordan Howden (S), Hendon Hooker (QB), Dontayvion Wicks (WR), Marte Mapu (S/LB), Keaton Mitchell (RB), and Darnell Wright (OT).