Packers Find Hidden Gem in James Ester

James Ester

On the heels of a stellar 2024 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers have signed eight undrafted free agents. Among the recent signees is Northern Illinois University defensive lineman James Ester. The signing may go under the radar, but the move has the potential to be a big splash for the Packers. Those who follow MAC football know that James Ester is one of the conference's most reliably dominant players. 

In Ester, the Green Bay Packers get a player who can dominate the line of scrimmage as both a pass rusher and run defender, a rare talent reminiscent of NFL Hall of Famer Warren Sapp. They also get a bona fide leader in Ester, who was a 4 year captain while at Northern. 

In his four seasons with the Huskies, Ester dominated MAC competition with 121 tackles, including 20 for loss. The 2023 All-Mac recipient also tallied 9 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and even came away with an interception, all as a defensive tackle. Ester was named NIU team MVP twice, something unheard of for an interior defensive lineman. 

Ester made a name for himself on the national stage at this year's Hula Bowl, where he drew attention from scouts and coaches alike. There, Ester was a human wrecking ball. The Detroit native was nearly impossible to block, clogging up running lanes and destroying offensive schemes at will, which is what he did at NIU, where Ester led the Huskies to victory in the 2023 Camellia Bowl. 

While he may face a difficult task making the Packers, a team with an abundance of defensive line depth, don't be surprised if Ester rises to the occasion and immediately becomes an impact player. Even if he doesn't make the final roster, being signed by the Packers, a team that is known for recognizing defensive line talent, goes a long way for Ester's NFL prospects. 

One thing fans shouldn't do is sleep on Ester. He is good enough to excel at the next level as a traditional 4-3 defensive tackle. Many undrafted players have gone onto the NFL to find success including former Packers Kurt Warner and Willie Wood. In Ester, the Packers may have found a true hidden gem and their next great undrafted free agent. 

Packers Undrafted Free Agent Signees:

Jarveon Howard, RB, Alcorn State
Donovan Jennings, OL, South Florida
Trente Jones, OL, Michigan
Messiah Swinson, TE, Arizona State
Peter Bowden, LS, Wisconsin
Rodney Mathews, DL, Ohio 
Ralen Goforth, LB, Washington
James Ester, DT, NIU 

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