Brenton Cox Jr. at Risk of Being Cut from Packers’ Roster Amid Rapid Rise of Fourth-Round Rookie
Green Bay, WI – May 26, 2025
The Green Bay Packers are facing a fierce competition at the edge-rusher position as the 2025 NFL season approaches, and Brenton Cox Jr., a former Florida standout, might find himself on the chopping block. The rapid development of rookie Barryn Sorrell, a fourth-round pick (124th overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft, is threatening Cox’s spot on the 53-man roster.
Barryn Sorrell’s Impressive Rise
Barryn Sorrell, a former defensive end from the Texas Longhorns, has been turning heads since being drafted by the Packers. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 256 pounds, Sorrell boasts an ideal frame and exceptional athleticism, evidenced by his 9.31/10 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) at the NFL Combine. During his college career, he recorded 15.5 sacks, 25.5 tackles for loss over 40 starts, and led Texas with 49 quarterback pressures in his final season (2024). Sorrell also earned the American Team’s top defensive lineman honors at the 2025 Senior Bowl, signaling his high ceiling.
At the ongoing OTAs, Sorrell has continued to shine, earning praise from coaches for his relentless motor, advanced hand techniques to beat blockers, and explosive speed off the line. Head coach Jeff Hafley has been particularly impressed, calling Sorrell “a perfect fit” for the Packers’ defensive scheme and lauding his competitive drive.
Pressure Mounting on Brenton Cox Jr.
Meanwhile, Brenton Cox Jr., who joined the Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2023, faces an uncertain future. In the 2024 season, Cox showed promise, notching 4 sacks and 7 quarterback hits in just 7 games, particularly after the trade of Preston Smith. He even cut into Lukas Van Ness’ snap counts late in the year, establishing himself as a key piece in Hafley’s defense.
However, the addition of Sorrell and fellow rookie Collin Oliver (a fifth-round pick in 2025) has significantly deepened the edge-rusher position. With Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness all but guaranteed roster spots, and Kingsley Enagbare likely to be retained despite inconsistent production, the Packers may only keep 5 or 6 edge-rushers on their initial 53-man roster. This leaves Cox in a tight competition with Arron Mosby, who impressed in the 2024 preseason, and now Sorrell, the rapidly ascending rookie.
A Tough Decision for the Packers
The Packers appear to be prioritizing a youthful, versatile defensive front. Sorrell brings not only power and speed but also leadership, having been described by Texas teammates as “an inspiration in the locker room.” Cox, while more experienced, must prove he can maintain consistent production amidst the influx of new talent.
If the Packers opt to sign a veteran like Jadeveon Clowney, Blockquote’s chances could dwindle further. He’ll need to make the most of OTAs and the upcoming preseason to secure Clap’s spot. Will Cox rise to the challenge, or will Sorrell claim his place? Packers fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome in the weeks ahead.
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