The Green Bay Packers are doing their homework on intriguing late-round prospects, and their latest pre-draft visitor is a classic example of the high-upside, small-school athlete they love to evaluate. Central Michigan edge rusher Michael Heldman is set to visit Lambeau, bringing an impressive blend of production and raw athleticism that could make him a perfect developmental project.
Heldman’s final collegiate season was a true breakout. After posting 8.5 sacks over his first four years, he exploded for 10.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss in 2025, earning First-Team All-MAC honors. His standout performance included a dominant game against Buffalo where he notched two sacks, two QB hits, and two pass breakups, showcasing his disruptive potential.
While he wasn't invited to the NFL Combine, Heldman silenced any doubters at his CMU Pro Day with a phenomenal workout. His testing numbers were exceptional, particularly for a player of his size (6'4", 270 lbs), generating a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) that would be impressive for an off-ball linebacker, let alone an edge rusher. This athletic profile suggests significant versatility at the next level.
The transition from a 4-3 defensive end in college to a potential 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL is a key question, and Heldman reportedly prepared by performing coverage drills at his Pro Day. This proactive approach will be crucial as teams like Green Bay assess his fit in their defensive scheme.
Of course, the jump from MAC competition to the NFL is substantial. Heldman's quieter performances against Power-Five opponents last season are noted on his scouting report, contributing to his current ranking around 270th on consensus boards. This makes him a likely target for Day 3 of the draft.
For a Packers team with two seventh-round picks, a player like Heldman represents the ideal low-risk, high-reward flier. His elite athletic traits and proven senior-year production provide a tantalizing foundation for NFL coaching. He joins Texas Tech's Romello Height as one of the few reported edge rusher visitors, indicating Green Bay is keenly focused on adding depth and competition to their pass rush this offseason.