The Packers sent the heavy hitters.

The Green Bay Packers need pass-rush help in the worst way. Brian Gutekunst is well aware.

After failing to make much noise in the free-agent market, the Packers’ hopes of upgrading the defensive line rely on the draft.

Beyond rumored interest in Dante Fowler, Green Bay’s attempts to fix its biggest need fell flat.

T.J. Slaton bolted in free agency, further increasing the concern in the middle of the defensive line. Expect the Packers to attack the front seven early and often in the draft, and they may turn to multiple Oregon defenders.

Derrick Harmon is a name to watch. He could perfectly complement Kenny Clark along the Packers’ defensive line, and it sounds like Gutekunst agrees.

Packers zero in on dream first-round target by sending the heavy hitters to Oregon pro day

The Packers sent the heavy hitters to Oregon’s Pro Day on Tuesday. According to Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline, Green Bay had GM Gutekunst, VP of Player Personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan, and Director of Player Personnel John Wojciechowski in attendance.

That’s their three biggest decision-makers.

They likely had their eye on several prospects, including edge-rusher Jordan Burch, but Harmon is the most interesting name.

He is a potential target for the Packers at No. 23 overall.

Harmon would bolster the interior pass rush next to Clark. According to PFF, he made 55 pressures last season, the most of any defensive tackle in the FBS.

His 86.3 pass-rush grade tied for fourth, while he also made five sacks and seven quarterback hits.

“Harmon is a quick, disruptive defensive tackle with excellent instincts. As a pass rusher, he has quick hands to knock away the punch of opposing linemen,” writes NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah. “Harmon has a great feel for the game and can create a lot of havoc despite lacking an elite trait.”

The draft is rich in edge-rusher talent, and the Packers may prefer to upgrade the interior of the defensive line in the first round, especially after losing Slaton.

They are different players, but Harmon would immediately bolster the pass rush alongside Clark and Devonte Wyatt.

The Packers must upgrade their front seven and become more disruptive against the pass to become serious Super Bowl contenders. It requires improvements from the players already on the roster, but Gutekunst must also add a difference-maker or two in the draft.

Harmon could be that player, and it’s no surprise that Gutekunst had Sullivan and Wojciechowski alongside him for a front-row seat at Oregon’s pro day.