Packers Insider Demands Bold Trade for This 2x All-SEC Beast—Will Green Bay Listen?

The Green Bay Packers have made the postseason in five of the past six seasons, yet they’ve only produced two Pro Bowlers since 2019—both from that year’s draft. As the team looks to strengthen its roster, one bold suggestion from a Packers insider has fans buzzing: a trade-up in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to land one of the top defensive prospects, James Pearce Jr., a two-time All-SEC defender from the University of Tennessee.

Eli Berkovits, a respected Packers insider, recently championed Pearce, highlighting his explosive 4.47 40-yard dash time and powerful showing at his pro day. With Pearce’s performance placing him as one of the top edge rushers available, Berkovits believes the Packers should do whatever it takes to add this elite talent to their defense.

“Make this man a Packer,” Berkovits declared after witnessing Pearce’s impressive physical performance. At 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, Pearce boasts a unique combination of size, speed, and strength that makes him one of the most promising edge rushers in the draft. His 10-foot-3 broad jump further illustrates his athleticism, ranking seventh in his position group.

Pearce’s numbers on the field are just as eye-catching. In 2023, he led the SEC with 10 sacks, recording 38 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks. Over three years, he accumulated 71 tackles, 30 TFLs, and 19.5 sacks, showcasing his ability to disrupt offenses and apply constant pressure on quarterbacks.

For the Packers, who finished 8th in the NFL in sacks last season, adding Pearce to their defense would provide a huge boost. Last season, defensive end Rashan Gary led the team with 7.5 sacks and earned his first Pro Bowl nod. Opposite Gary, Kingsley Enagbare contributed 4.5 sacks. Pearce would provide another dynamic pass rusher to complement their established players, elevating the team’s defensive line and enhancing their ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.

However, the move would come at a cost. The last time Green Bay made a trade-up in the first round was in 2020 when they secured Jordan Love. To land Pearce, the Packers would likely need to make another bold move, sacrificing valuable draft capital to climb the board. But with Pearce’s potential, it could be a trade well worth making for a team that prides itself on building a strong defense.

The question remains: will Green Bay pull the trigger and make this aggressive move for Pearce? Fans are eager to see if Berkovits’ call for action will lead to a dramatic shift in the Packers’ draft strategy, or if they’ll continue to build through their current roster and draft picks. Whatever the decision, one thing is certain—adding a talent like Pearce would make the Packers’ defense a force to be reckoned with.