The Packers' Hidden Gem Hunt: Why Michael Heldman Could Be More Than a Late-Round Flier
There’s something about the NFL draft season that feels like a treasure hunt. Teams scour the depths of college football, not just for the shiny, first-round jewels, but for the hidden gems buried in the later rounds or undrafted free agency. The Green Bay Packers, in particular, have a knack for this kind of prospecting. Enter Michael Heldman, a defensive end from Central Michigan, whose pre-draft visit to Green Bay has sparked more than a little curiosity.
The Small-School, Big-Potential Archetype
Personally, I think Heldman fits the Packers’ mold almost too perfectly. Small-school player? Check. Elite athleticism? Double-check. Late-round or undrafted projection? You bet. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the Packers have historically thrived with these kinds of players. Think of guys like Za’Darius Smith or Preston Smith—players who weren’t household names coming out of college but became cornerstone pieces in Green Bay’s defense.
Heldman’s story is intriguing because it’s a classic tale of under-the-radar potential. At 6-foot-4 and nearly 270 pounds, he’s got the frame of an edge rusher but the athleticism of a linebacker. His Pro Day numbers were off the charts, and if you take a step back and think about it, that kind of versatility is gold in today’s NFL. Teams are desperate for players who can do more than one thing, and Heldman’s ability to drop into coverage—something he showcased at his Pro Day—could make him a hybrid weapon in a 3-4 scheme.
The Breakout Year vs. The Competition Question
One thing that immediately stands out is Heldman’s senior-year explosion. After posting 8.5 sacks in his first four seasons, he doubled that with 10.5 sacks in 2025. That’s the kind of leap that gets scouts’ attention. But here’s the catch: he did it in the MAC. What many people don’t realize is that the level of competition in the MAC, while respectable, isn’t exactly the SEC or Big Ten. Heldman’s performance against Power-Five teams last fall was underwhelming, with just 3 tackles and 1.5 TFLs in three games.
From my perspective, this is where the Packers’ evaluation process gets really interesting. Are they betting on the athleticism and potential, or are they concerned about the competition gap? In my opinion, the Packers are a team that trusts their coaching staff to develop raw talent. If Heldman can translate his college production to the NFL—even at a lower level of competition—he could be a steal.
The Packers’ Edge Rusher Dilemma
What this really suggests is that the Packers are still searching for answers at edge rusher. With Rashan Gary coming off an injury and Preston Smith entering the final year of his deal, there’s a clear need for depth. Heldman isn’t going to be a Day 1 starter, but he could be a project player who develops into a rotational piece down the line.
A detail that I find especially interesting is that Heldman is one of only two edge defenders on the Packers’ reported visitor list so far. This raises a deeper question: Are the Packers prioritizing edge rush in the draft, or are they looking to address it through undrafted free agency? If you ask me, it’s a bit of both. With two seventh-round picks, they could take a flier on Heldman while also keeping an eye on other positions earlier in the draft.
The Broader Trend: Small-School Players in the NFL
This isn’t just about Heldman or the Packers. It’s part of a larger trend in the NFL. Teams are increasingly willing to take chances on small-school players who bring elite athleticism and a high ceiling. Look at players like Darius Leonard (South Carolina State) or Cooper Kupp (Eastern Washington)—both small-school guys who became stars.
What this trend implies is that the NFL is becoming more democratized. It’s not just about where you played; it’s about what you can do. Heldman’s story is a reminder that talent isn’t confined to Power-Five schools, and teams that recognize this have a competitive edge.
Final Thoughts: Is Heldman Worth the Gamble?
In my opinion, Heldman is exactly the kind of player the Packers should be targeting in the late rounds. He’s raw, yes, but his athleticism and versatility make him a high-upside project. If the Packers can develop him—and they’ve shown they can—he could become a valuable piece of their defense.
What makes this particularly intriguing is the psychological aspect. Heldman has something to prove. He wasn’t invited to the Combine, and he’s been overlooked because of his competition level. That chip on his shoulder could be exactly what drives him to succeed at the NFL level.
If you take a step back and think about it, the NFL draft is as much about potential as it is about production. Heldman might not be a household name now, but in a few years, he could be the kind of player that makes teams wonder why they didn’t take a chance on him earlier. And for the Packers, that’s exactly the kind of story they’re hoping to write.
