Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Notre Dame linebacker Jack Kiser.
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL draft.
Eric Wilson and Isaiah McDuffie are set to hit the open market this offseason. The veteran linebackers combined to play over 1,200 snaps for the Green Bay Packers this season.
With the two veterans set to hit free agency, it’s a safe bet that the Packers will look to add depth to that room by adding a player on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
A player that Brian Gutekunst could target is Jack Kiser. The Notre Dame linebacker checks in at No. 91 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
An Indiana native, Kiser enjoyed a breakout campaign during the 2021 season, when he recorded 45 tackles, one tackle for loss, broke up five passes and had a pair of pick-sixes. The following season he recorded 58 tackles, six tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. In 2023, Kiser recorded 62 tackles, two tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and one interception.
Kiser enters the National Championship game against Ohio State with 85 tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks.
“Kiser is the lifeblood of Notre Dame’s football program as the most experienced player on the roster,” Liam Gaudet, the senior editor of The Irish Tribune, said. “He’s now suited up for the Irish in 69 football games, including the 2025 National Championship. His selection for captaincy goes well beyond his playing abilities, and his teammates echo that sentiment when asked about Kiser’s leadership. Undoubtedly, his experience and maturity will be one of his greatest assets at the next level.”
Kiser’s greatest strength is something that can’t be displayed in a RAS graphic and it won’t be on display at the NFL Scouting Combine or at Notre Dame’s Pro Day. He’s a leader and will impress teams during the interview process. His football instincts are through the roof and he’s willing to do the dirty work.
During his time at South Bend, Kiser logged 965 snaps on special teams and 14 tackles. With his great and team-first mentality, Kiser could carve out a long career as a core special teamer.
“Kiser’s tackling ability is undoubtedly his greatest strength,” Gaudet said. “He has a very low missed tackle rate, around four percent, and although he may not jump off the screen as an elite athlete, the importance of his sure tackling has allowed Notre Dame’s defense to rank amongst the best in college football on third downs this season.”
Kiser processes things quickly. The Notre Dame linebacker is quick to identify blocking schemes and fly downhill to fill gaps. Kiser plays with the right amount of tenacity as a downhill thumper and has an appetite for physical contact. He’s always where he needs to be and sniffs out backfield fakes. He has a high batting average as a tackler. According to Pro Football Focus, Kiser was tagged with just nine missed tackles over the past three seasons.
“Kiser’s vision and awareness translate to impeccable gap integrity,” Gaudet said. “Al Golden’s defensive scheme is known to be demanding of players, relying on intelligence and discipline, and Kiser plays his role perfectly. If you pull up the film from the Service Academy games this season, Kiser shined in downhill tackling. He knows his responsibility and rarely makes mistakes where play execution is concerned.”
Kiser’s instincts shine in coverage. He’s not the most athletic linebacker, but he has a great understanding of how teams are trying to attack the defense and put himself in a position to make plays. The Notre Dame linebacker is a high-effort blitzer and finished this past season with 18 pressures and two sacks.
“Kiser’s coverage ability might be the most overlooked aspect of his game,” Gaudet said. “He shows a great feel for sinking into his zone and matches up well in man-to-man situations against running backs and tight ends. He has shown good ball skills when targeted, with four career interceptions, and was robbed of a game-changing interception against Penn State in the Orange Bowl. His most impressive pass coverage snap came against Wisconsin in 2021, where he intercepted a swing pass with great closing speed and returned it for a touchdown. He probably won’t be someone you actively avoid targeting, but he’s more than capable in coverage, which is a product of his experience and knowledge of the game.”
Fit with the Packers
The Packers used a pair of Day 2 picks during the 2024 NFL Draft on linebackers. They selected Edgerrin Cooper in the second round and followed that up with the addition of Ty’Ron Hopper in the third round.
Cooper looks like a future star, while Hopper logged 277 snaps on special teams and could take on a more prominent role in year two.
After spending a pair of Day 2 picks on the linebacker room a year ago, it’s hard to picture a world where Gutekunst adds another linebacker in the Top 100 during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Kiser would provide quality depth behind Walker, Cooper and Hopper while providing an immediate impact on special teams.
“Drafting Kiser would be seen as an incredibly safe pick,” Gaudet said. “His experience in a defense that’s highly intricate and often likened to that of an NFL style of play would shorten the adjustment period from college to the pros. With a player like Kiser, you know what you’re getting in terms of what his floor is, and that’s a gifted tackler with an incredible knowledge of the game who won’t struggle in complicated defensive packages.”
Kiser has a radar for the football and is a reliable tackler. With his instincts, toughness and special teams experience, Kiser could be high on Green Bay’s board late on Day 3 as they look for depth and special teams help.
