Packers Edge Rusher and Linebacker Depth Chart Breakdown: Where We Really Stand

Ryan breaks down two critical position groups on the Packers' roster — edge rusher and linebacker — and the picture that emerges is more urgent than the fan base wants to admit. With Micah Parsons recovering from ACL surgery and Rashawn Gary gone to Dallas, the Packers are leaning on a depth chart full of question marks, and Ryan isn't sugarcoating it. Micah Parsons ACL reality check: Surgery was December 29. Standard recovery for a high-level pass rusher is 9–12 months, which realistically pushes full readiness deep into the 2026 season. Don't believe the "ahead of schedule" hype — there's a set floor, and the Packers know it. Lucas Van Ness fifth-year option: Ryan lands closer to "do it" than "don't" — but the uncertainty around Van Ness's ceiling, combined with a depleted edge room, makes this one of the most consequential decisions of the offseason. Linebacker depth: Edgerrin Cooper is the real deal and the long-term anchor. Zaire Franklin is a one-year bridge. The audition belongs to Tyron Hopper and Isaiah McDuffie — and Ryan makes clear what a McDuffie ceiling actually looks like. The bigger picture: Ryan lays out the stark reality — Gutekunst needs a draft class that actually contributes, because the gap between the starters and the depth at edge, linebacker, and several other positions is getting harder to ignore. Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen, and submit your mock drafts at nfldraftgrades.com. Pac Nation, let's get it. This episode is brought to you by PrizePicks! Use code PACKDADDY to get started with America's #1 fantasy sports app. https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACKDADDY To advertise on this podcast please email: [email protected] Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/packernetpodcast Help keep the show growing and check out everything I'm building across the Packers and NFL world: Support: Patreon: www.patreon.com/pack_daddy Venmo: @Packernetpodcast CashApp: $packpod Website: https://nfldraftgrades.com/ My Board: https://nfldraftgrades.com/board/83a18c42-7a0b-4590-8d1b-453e49840d02