Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series for 2025 is Washington linebacker Carson Bruener.
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 those two 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 linebacker that Brian Gutekunst could target on April 26, is Carson Bruener. The Washington linebacker checks in at No. 95 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
Bruener, the son of former Husky tight end Mark Bruener, recorded 70 tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and one interception during the 2021 campaign. The following season he recorded four tackles for loss and broke up one pass. In 2023, Bruener recorded 86 tackles, three tackles for loss, one interception and broke up three passes.
As a team captain this past season, Bruener recorded a career-high 104 tackles to go along with two tackles for loss, three interceptions and five pass deflections.
“Carson has always been a steadying force around the program thanks to his lineage, being a local guy, and his outspoken passion for Washington,” Roman Tomashoff, the editor for UWHuskiesWire, said. “Carson’s greatest strength is his speed. He attacks the ball carrier swiftly and finishes tackles very well, rarely letting opponents escape his grasp.”
Bruener is always where he needs to be. He’s never out of place and that shows up in coverage. He gets appropriate depth in his drops and tightens up passing windows. He senses the action and recorded four interceptions and eight pass deflections over the past two seasons.
“Carson is at his best in coverage,” Tomashoff said. “He’s very good at reading the quarterback’s eyes and is great at jumping routes and stepping in the way of passes. He’s much better in zone coverage but is very reliable against the pass.”
Bruener plays with a motor that doesn’t cool down. The Washington linebacker has functional lateral quickness and range. He’s not a thumper by any means, but Bruener is assignment-sound and is always where he needs to be.
“Carson is a strong run defender,” Tomashoff said. “His eyes need to improve, he doesn’t make a ton of wrong reads since he has a very high football IQ, but sometimes they need to be sped up just a tick. If he gets that down he’s a starting-caliber linebacker.”
During his time at Washington, Bruener logged 611 snaps on special teams and recorded 19 tackles. With his grit and willingness to do anything to help the team, Bruener would provide an immediate impact on special teams.
“He has what it takes to be a core special teamer,” Tomashoff said. “Carson is a guy that prides himself on his ability to do the dirty work and get the little things right.”
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. Enter Bruener. With his coverage ability and special teams experience, Bruener could be a viable option for the Packers as they look to add depth to the linebacker room.
“I would draft Carson because he’s one of the most passionate players I’ve ever been around,” Tomashoff said. “He’s someone that has played through countless injuries and no matter what role he’s in, he’s shown that he can be extremely productive. He won’t be outworked, and will find a way to get on the field every week.”
