The Green Bay Packers have a storied history of finding hidden gems in unexpected places, and 2025 may be no different. While much of the offseason buzz has centered around big-name acquisitions and early-round draft picks, one under-the-radar rookie is quietly turning heads in Green Bay. Tyron Herring, an undrafted defensive back out of the University of Delaware, is making a strong case to become the Packers’ next “diamond in the rough”—and fans have every reason to be excited.
Herring’s journey to the NFL is anything but conventional. After starting his college career at Dartmouth, he transferred to Delaware, where he quickly established himself as a leader—earning the title of team captain in his final season. Despite his impressive college résumé, Herring went undrafted, a fact that may soon look like a major oversight by the rest of the league.
What sets Herring apart from many undrafted rookies is his NFL-ready frame and athleticism. According to his NFL.com draft profile, Herring boasts an excellent blend of size and length for the position. He’s known for his field vision in zone coverage, ability to win 50/50 balls, and quickness in closing on pass catchers. Importantly, he also brings strength in run support—an attribute that can’t be overlooked in today’s NFL.
For undrafted free agents, two things are crucial: having NFL-caliber physical traits and filling a specific need on the roster. Herring checks both boxes. His ability to tackle and limit yards after catch is particularly noteworthy, especially since open-field tackling is at a premium in the NFL.
When compared to top rookie corners from the 2024 NFL Draft, such as first-rounders Travis Hunter and Jahdae Barron and second-rounder Trey Amos, Herring allowed significantly fewer yards after catch per reception. This usually unnoticed but critical trait is highly valuable and will serve Herring well in his attempts to make the Packers roster.
The current starters in the Green Bay are a mixed bag when it comes to limiting yardage after the catch. Carrington Valentine and Keisean Nixon are solid in this department, but Nate Hobbs, allowed nearly six yards after catch per reception last season. Herring’s college numbers, while not a perfect comparison, suggest he could immediately elevate this aspect of Green Bay’s pass defense.
One major criticism of Herring was the level of competition he faced collegiately at Delaware. This criticism would be valid except that Herring answered those doubts with a standout performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl. There, Herring not only intercepted a pass but also delivered a highlight-reel hit to force an incompletion. He proved he can rise to the occasion against higher-level talent.
Beyond the physical tools, Herring brings maturity and leadership, qualities that are crucial for undrafted players fighting for a roster spot. Herring went through the transfer portal to Delaware (by way of Dartmouth) proving he can handle massive life changes. Players who go through the transfer portal at the collegiate ranks usually have a better chance of transitioning successfully to the new environments facing them in the NFL.
Green Bay fans know the value of undrafted free agents—some of the franchise’s all-time greats have come from humble beginnings. The question now is whether Tyron Herring will be the next name added to that list. Early signs are promising, and his combination of size, tackling ability, and leadership make him one of the most intriguing rookies to watch this summer.
While the Packers’ offseason may have been quieter than some, the emergence of Tyron Herring could prove to be one of the most impactful storylines heading into the 2025 season. If Herring continues to showcase his unique blend of physicality and football IQ, Green Bay may have pulled off one of the biggest steals of the year—a true diamond in the rough ready to shine at Lambeau Field.
Disclaimer: The content of this article was originally published as a YouTube video on the Saturday Morning Inspection YouTube channel. With AI assistance, the publisher of the video created this article based on the content of that video.
