Unpacking Future Packers: No. 28, Iowa DE Max Llewellyn
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL draft.
Since taking over as general manager of the Green Bay Packers in 2018, general manager Brian Gutekunst has drafted six edge rushers, with four of those picks being Day 3 selections.
The Packers traded Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2027 fourth-round pick and Kingsley Enagbare signed with the New York Jets .
With the Packers in need of depth at the position, Gutekunst could once again use a Day 3 pick on an edge rusher, with a potential target being Max Llewellyn . The Iowa defensive end checks in at No. 28 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A three-star recruit, Llewellyn redshirted during the 2021 season and the following season he recorded .5 tackle for loss. In 2023, Llewellyn recorded 2.5 sacks. In 2024, he recorded eight tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.
During his final season with the Hawkeyes, Llewellyn recorded career highs in tackles for loss (9.5), sacks (6.5), and pass deflections (six).
At 6-6, 258 pounds, Llewellyn is well-put-together. The Iowa edge rusher isn't the most dynamic athlete off the snap. He wins with a veteran-like plan of attack and has a wide array of pass-rush moves in his arsenal. His go-to move is a spin move that he utilized at the regular. To go along with his 6.5 sacks, Llewellyn recorded 45 pressures this past season.
"He uses technique and length," Riley Donald, a contributor for Hawkeyeswire, said. "He has never been the strongest, fastest, or the edge with the most 'bend, ' but he can attack weaknesses very well. He uses film and studying to provide a huge advantage."
Llewellyn has strong, heavy hands that stun offensive linemen. He uses his strength and active hands to pry his way off blocks and get in on the action in the backfield. He sets a firm edge and his motor is always running. He has the pursuit speed to make tackles as a backside defender.
"It's an Iowa edge," Donald said. "You don't get on the field for Phil Parker if you are unable to defend the run. He was primarily tasked with gap responsibility, eating up blocks, and playing sound within the scheme to free up lanes for Iowa's linebackers. He won't make mistakes or be out of place, all you can ask for a later round pick."
Fit with the Packers
Micah Parsons will likely miss the beginning of the season as he recovers from his season-ending knee injury he suffered against the Denver Broncos .
That would leave the Packers with Lukas Van Ness , Barryn Sorrell , Collin Oliver and Brenton Cox Jr to hold down the fort until Parsons returns.
Even if Parsons were healthy, a team can never have enough pass rushers on the roster. Gutekunst could look to add an edge rusher on Day 3. With his detailed pass rush plan and the energy he plays with against the run, Llewellyn could be an ideal target.
"He is going to provide you depth from Day One," Donald said. "He may never be a Hall of Famer, but in a league where you simply cannot have enough edge rushers, he can provide early downs to give guys a breather or plug in for injuries."
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Unpacking Future Packers: No. 28, Iowa DE Max Llewellyn
