The Earliest the Packers Could Draft Every Position in the 2025 NFL Draft
Where will Green Bay choose to attack positions of need in the upcoming draft?
By markoldacres
The pro day circuit is almost wrapped up, and the hay is pretty much in the barn ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft with just a few weeks to go until Green Bay plays host.
Using all the information gathered to this point, and the current construction of the Packers roster, we can start to narrow down which positions the team is likely to address, as well as when they attack them.
Here is my best guess at the earliest Green Bay could draft each position in the draft:
Quarterback - Round 7
There are multiple factors at play here.
The Packers have a rock solid backup in Malik Willis, another option behind him in former fifth-round pick Sean Clifford, who is under team control for two more seasons, and this QB class is not loaded with talent which would encourage Green Bay to pick one.
Too many of the quarterbacks in the class are on the smaller side, or did not complete athletic testing, both of which could be an issue for the Packers.
The only way they are likely to draft a QB at all is if one falls to them in the seventh round and they can’t believe he is still there, like Michael Pratt a year ago.
Running back - Round 5
Green Bay is well stocked here between star back Josh Jacobs, former third-round pick Marshawn Lloyd, and useful contributors Chris Brooks and Emanuel Wilson, they do not need to address the position at all.
But this is a talented group of runners, and once the first four rounds go by, where the valuable picks live, the Packers could add another back to the room if one falls further than he should.
Wide receiver - Round 2
The second round is where the Packers have usually gone hunting for receivers, and they have had joy in doing so. Brian Gutekunst told the media at the scouting combine they have never internally said they will not draft a receiver in the first round, but this is not the class to do it.
Only Tetairoa McMillan, Matthew Golden, Emeka Egbuka and Luther Burden are likely to go in round one.
McMillan will go too early for Green Bay to get their hands on him, Golden is probably too small for them to take that early, and Egbuka and Burden were primarily slot receivers in college, which is not what the Packers need.
Whether they ended up playing in the slot or not, Gutekunst has only drafted one receiver in his tenure who did not play the majority of his snaps on the perimeter in at least one of his final two college seasons, which was Amari Rodgers.
Egbuka and Burden do not fit the bill, although Egbuka at least has ideal size to play outside and was a strong athletic tester, so he is the one potential option to end the drought.
But the types of receivers Green Bay likes, headlined in this class by Jayden Higgins of Iowa State, are projected to go on day two, and that is more likely where the Packers pick up a receiver.
Tight end - Round 5
With Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave still early in their NFL careers, and capable blocking/back up tight ends also on the roster in Ben Sims and John FitzPatrick, the Packers could quite happily skip over the tight end position without blinking.
But if they wanted a long-term, higher quality blocker, Georgia Tech’s Jackson Hawes is expected to go in the fifth-round range.
They could also still be looking to fill the TE/H-back role previously manned by Josaiah Deguara, and take a swing on day three.
Offensive tackle - Round 4
The Packers used a first-round pick on Jordan Morgan a year ago, and have two strong starting tackles in Zach Tom and Rasheed Walker.
They will probably pay Tom and let Walker go after this season, but they will still have invested heavily at tackle, and are unlikely to address the position in the top 100 in this draft.
Green Bay has done an excellent job finding value on day three, and they will probably look to do that again, back filling the O-line depth by selecting potentially multiple tackles in rounds four to seven, and moving them inside to guard if necessary.
Center - Round 2
Since the Packers essentially do not draft college guards, we’ll move on to center, where they are more likely to spend a premium pick than at tackle this year.
Elgton Jenkins seems set to be Green Bay’s center in 2025, but the team can save $20m by getting out of his contract after this season, so they could be in the market for a more high quality succession plan than Jacob Monk, last year’s fifth-round pick.
The Packers have really never taken an interior offensive lineman in round one, so getting a center in round two would require North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel to somehow fall, or they could take a chance on Georgia’s Jared Wilson, who tested excellently at the combine.
Outside of those two prospects, there are not many strong options for Green Bay until the very late rounds, at which point they may leave the position alone and just roll into the season with Jenkins and Monk.
Defensive line - Round 1
A clear contender for the Packers’ first pick in the 2025 draft, and maybe the favorite.
T.J. Slaton just left in free agency, Devonte Wyatt will be a free agent after this season if Green Bay does not exercise his fifth-year option, and Kenny Clark, who is well paid and underwhelmed in 2024, has a contract that can be gotten out of after this year.
If the Packers do in fact select a defensive lineman in round one, Michigan’s Kenneth Grant and Oregon’s Derrick Harmon are the two most likely names, with Grant maybe the preferred option as he would add real size to their front at 331 lbs, which they need after Slaton’s departure.
It is a deep D-line class, so they could wait until day two and still have options, but it feels likely a talented big man will fall to them at pick 23, who in previous years may not have made it that far, like Morgan on the offensive side a year ago. It would be hard for Green Bay to pass that up.
EDGE - Round 1
The Packers will still have every faith Lukas Van Ness develops in his third year, and of course they still have their lead dog in Rashan Gary, who will be looking to rebound from something of a down year rushing the passer in 2024.
But they have housed three premium investments at EDGE before, when they added Za’Darius and Preston Smith, as well as Gary, to the roster in one offseason.
Drafting someone early would work better for the Packers from an optics standpoint than splashing out on a big name in free agency would have, as this way they can just let Van Ness and the new draftee compete and share snaps.
If they had brought in a Josh Sweat, it would have really limited LVN’s opportunities for growth.
There are not a ton of options for Green Bay who have the size they covet in their pass rushers, and also completed the athletic testing. They would probably need Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart to fall, which is unlikely, or take a chance on Arkansas’s Landon Jackson.
It feels like the Packers will add an edge rusher to the group at some point to keep the position churning, especially with Kingsley Enagbare in a contract year, but whether it is in round one or seven is anyone’s guess.
Linebacker - Round 4
After spending day-one and two picks on Quay Walker, Edgerrin Cooper and Ty’Ron Hopper in recent years, and re-signing Isaiah McDuffie this offseason, it would be pretty surprising if Green Bay went big at linebacker again in this year’s draft.
Once the first two days of the draft are over though, they could take another swing at the position.
There will be plenty of options available on day three which could take their fancy, like Oklahoma’s Danny Stutsman, Georgia’s Smael Mondon or Cal’s Teddye Buchanan.
Cornerback - Round 1
Gutekunst has made a habit of doubling down at weak positions on the roster in free agency in the draft, and in that spirit, corner is very much still on the table early, even after signing Nate Hobbs.
The problem in round one could be that many of the players expected to go are on the smaller side, are dealing with injuries, or did not complete athletic testing.
Day two feels more likely to be the spot, but it would not be surprising if the Packers turned in the card for Trey Amos of Ole Miss in round one.
Safety - Round 7
To be honest, it would be a bit of a shock if the Packers drafted a safety at all. They completely restocked the position last year by signing Xavier McKinney and then drafting Javon Bullard, Evan Williams and Kitan Oladapo.
The group performed well a year ago, and Oladapo did not even really get involved. Zayne Anderson is also still on the roster.
An early pick at safety is surely off the table, and it feels like any safety they draft would have a tough time making the team, but if someone is staring at them on their board in round seven and sticks out as their best player, they could pull the trigger.
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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres
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Comments (75)
GregC
March 31, 2025 at 07:09 am
This all sounds about right. You will get some pushback about regarding OT as not worth more than a fourth round pick, but not from me.
I'm not a fan of the blocking TE or H-back in the 5th round, but Matt LaFleur likes those kinds of players, so maybe. How about a TE who can block AND has potential as a receiver?
Leatherhead
March 31, 2025 at 08:48 am
Greg.....in Green Bay, the Packers TE is a blocking TE. That's what they do. Kraft is an excellent blocker and is part of the reason our run game works so well. The key to the success of LaFleur's offense is that we have six offensive linemen on the field.
You can go all the way back to Coffman. The few instances where we chose pass receiving over blocking ability, like Finley and Rodgers, were the exceptions, not the rule.
If you can block, AND catch passes, you're going to be gone by the end of Day 2.
GregC
March 31, 2025 at 09:02 am
Much to my chagrin, I wish they were more willing to try good receiving TEs, even at the expense of blocking. Luke Musgrave is another exception, but they weren't using him much last year before he got hurt. We'll see what they do with him this year.
LambeauPlain
March 31, 2025 at 09:25 am
If Musgrave doesn't improve his blocking he's not going to see many snaps. After his lacerated kidney injury finally healed...a very dangerous injury...Luke faded badly on the field. Looked tentative & timid in both blocking and catching the ball.
The promise of a potent 12 personnel package is also fading and it would not surprise to see a proven blockingTE drafted on Day 3. Davis fit that bill as a tremendous blocker, but he's been snakebitten by injuries.
Big year for Musgrave.
Coldworld
March 31, 2025 at 12:12 pm
If you want to free Kraft offensively then you need a true blocker TE. Musgrave isn’t that. At this point he’s a situational piece and a back up to Kraft if krafts offensive use continues. The Sims/Fitzgerald role would then expand to be a blocker and chipper running routes as a blocker and check down option mainly.
There are a number of late draft/UDFA options (plus Swinson held over from the PS) that were on their teams to block. We don’t need an offensive weapon in the pass game we need one to free up Kraft and help others 99% of the time. That means, if we want help early, a blocker from a near NFL system or a firmer PS guy none of us have likely heard of.
If we are going the draft route, Jackson Hawes of Georgia Tech seems to be a clear leader in that category. Big enough at 269, only going to get better adding more upper body strength, already one of the best technical run and pass blockers to come out in a while.
Throwback inline TE who can handle the H OR full back role as well if needed. Never going to be a major yards threat, but can catch if needed. Late round draft grade. 6th -UDFA due to lack of passing game upside. I’d be thrilled if we picked him, even in the 6th. For us we’d be better from day one by freeing Kraft and in the run game.
LambeauPlain
March 31, 2025 at 03:06 pm
Hawes is quite the punishing blocker! More pancakes in college than an IHOP breakfast. He seems to hunt for victims until the whistle.
LLCHESTY
March 31, 2025 at 04:50 pm
Hawes sounds like a strictly blocking TE so I'd be surprised if he goes before the 7th. From PFN:
"He has terrible hands meaning he is not a reliable target. Hawes has an obscenely high career drop rate of 12.1% and is poor at winning the ball in tight spaces, with a career contested catch rate of 25.0%. He hasn’t won a single contested target in the past two years. Hawes is a true in-line blocker who showcases excellent strength at the point of attack with the ability to move defensive linemen and create space for the running game."
Coldworld
March 31, 2025 at 05:35 pm
I don’t care if he’s not a major part of the passing game if he’s a good blocker, and that he definitely is. His hands are not terrible in the context of an emergency outlet for dump offs. I don’t see him doing more than that. If a team does he will be long gone (unlikely).
I’d give a second half of the 6th round pick for the best blocking TE in the draft if that frees up Kraft. He’d help or running game and pass pro from the outset too. Well worth it for us in particular and for your goal of freeing Kraft to become a big part of the passing game. Value is what a player can do for your team.
33rd team has a 4th round grade on him (surprisingly high) based on blocking alone. They conclude:
“Hawes projects best as a designated blocker for an NFL offense. His versatility in types of blocks and ability in the run and pass game leave a window for meaningful snaps — but he isn’t likely to be a valued starting option for a team because of the receiving limitations.
He should be considered a scheme-diverse TE2 or TE3 for heavy personnel packages. Hawes’ special teams background on kickoff and field goal teams warrants consideration for roster purposes, as well. “
LLCHESTY
March 31, 2025 at 06:56 pm
I'm fine with that and it wouldn't take much to be an improvement over Sims. I'm just saying he'll be there in the 7th. They could also just sign three UDFA blocking TEs and odds are one of them would be better than Sims.
Coldworld
April 01, 2025 at 08:56 am
But would they be better than Hawes? I think clearly not and not as early. Even in the 6th a blocking TE that could contribute from September would be a bigger win than most 6th or 7th rounders. Last year that was Glover, followed in the 7th by Pratt and King. At least in year one, Glover contributed nothing and King not at all. Pratt was cut loose before a game was played.
The year before we did hit on Karl Brooks in the 6th and Valentine in the 7th, but they were 2 out of 6 picks in those rounds and the only ones still with us. Would a true blocking TE who freed up Kraft as well as key down pass and run blocking not be worth as much? Not to devalue Valentine or Brooks, but I think the answer is yes if we get the right one. If so seal him up in the 6th and don’t fret about whether he’d last to the 7th unless there’s a better credibly immediate contributor that we believe does more for us.
It is fair to point out that Messiah Swinson is a pure blocking TE UDFA held over, whom I’m discounting for lack of much news in his development. He could be an alternative, but I don’t know that and Hawes is a better blocker on film in my opinion. Swinson does signal a continuing interest in that block first skillset. He was poached of our PS and brought back, so maybe he’s of more interest than I know.
crayzpackfan
March 31, 2025 at 09:09 am
Musgrave is a blocking TE?
T7Steve
March 31, 2025 at 09:22 am
He said "is another exception". However, I believe he's a great downfield blocker in that he was compared here quite often as another Lazard when he started out and was even starting before Kraft and doing well in the first season before injuries took over.
GregC
March 31, 2025 at 09:26 am
LH said Finley and Rodgers were exceptions, because they were receiving TEs. Musgrave is also an exception, because he is a receiving TE. Not sure how I could've made that any more clear.
TKWorldWide
March 31, 2025 at 10:11 am
Maybe just come right out and say Musgrave is a receiving tight end. 😉😉🏈
LambeauPlain
March 31, 2025 at 11:02 am
Musgrave has not been much a receiving TE post the dangerous lacerated kidney. He's had some very difficult injuries in college and during his brief pro tenure. He certainly has "can do" TE receiving skill. But the injuries may have eroded his "want to".
Leatherhead
March 31, 2025 at 11:33 am
Musgrave started the first 9 games of his career and caught 34 passes...almost 4 /game, which carried over a 17 game season would give him the most prolific receiving season in Packers history for a TE. Then he got hurt. When he returned this season, he played in 4 games, did not start, missed 10 weeks, and then started the last three games of the season. He was targeted twice.
Personally, when we drafted Musgrave, I kind of thought he'd be replacing Lazard, the big slot guy who can get (smaller) people blocked in the run game and catch a couple of balls downfield .
Musgrave is entering his 3rd season. First, he has to show he can stay healthy for a season, and he's 0-2 there. Then he has to show he can get his man blocked. Then he gets to show if he can help us in the passing game.
The big plus for a double TE set is that it creates a C gap on both sides....six holes that the defense has to put a body in. AND you still have to be able to contain, so essentially you need 8 defenders to plug every gap. Unless you play a two-gap defense/
The big plus for the 3-1-1 is that the defense almost has to play nickel against this. That leaves 6 run defenders against six offensive linemen (including the TE). That's Good Math for the Packers when they run it.
So far, between Kraft and Musgrave, we've been able to put a decent TE on the field every game for the last two years. That's worth something.
Coldworld
March 31, 2025 at 12:35 pm
Musgrave is as close to a WR as a TE can be. Nothing wrong with that, though his balance and foot speed have raised some red flags. He’s at his best going in a straight line, vertically or even better across. It’s up to LaFleur to find a role for that. So far we’ve just seen Kraft sometimes (too rarely) doing things that Musgrave was expected to as well as being the primary blocker.
Even before he got hurt we rarely saw Musgrave in the outside, mostly just up the seam. That seems very strange, particularly when we have not had Watson. I still think Kraft and Musgrave can be used together productively with neither in a primarily blocking role from the set, even with a third TE blocking. It’s past time for LaFleur to get creative and create mismatches.
jannesbjornson
March 31, 2025 at 07:55 pm
Kraft is also a Receiving TE and should be fed the ball. ALL-PRO potential. If Musgrave doesn't improve, or cannot improve his footwork and flexibility with the route tree, he will be looking to be replaced.
jannesbjornson
March 31, 2025 at 07:49 pm
This year's TEs with pass catching and power forward, pick setting ability are in Rds 2-4. Your Front Five has to handle the defensive pressure up front for an effective Offense, or Upgrade your product. Pressure the defense; not the other way around. Stress them.
cdoemel
March 31, 2025 at 11:26 pm
I wonder if they’ll re-sign Tyler Davis. The dude‘s injuries have kept us from seeing anything from him.
Coldworld
April 01, 2025 at 09:06 am
I hope not. I think we can do better as a blocker online and in the run game. The third TE we need now seems to me to need to be a really good pass protector and lead blocker to free up Kraft and allow Musgrave to be a catcher. In the past we have settled for ok as a blocker and meh as an occasional outlet when we haven’t had Lewis. Don’t just get a less good all around TE, get a blocker and let Kraft focus more on routes and Musgrave just be the big receiver he is.
NickPerry
March 31, 2025 at 07:15 am
"The Packers will still have every faith Lukas Van Ness develops in his third year, and of course they still have their lead dog in Rashan Gary, who will be looking to rebound from something of a down year rushing the passer in 2024."
SIGH... IF the Packers are counting on Gary to be better and LVN actually develop, this could be a REALLY long year for the Packers. IMO Gary will never be worth what he's making a year. Maybe he improves thus season but I'm not holding my breath. He's only getting older and older.
LVN is what he is I'm afraid. Nothing would make me happier than LVN to become a well rounded DE who can win with multiple moves. The dude has ONE, everybody knows it. By last season TEs were handing him. Tight Ends!
Every year we hear the Packers "Have a Type". Whether it's WR, DE, CB, or any other position they have a "Type". Maybe it's time Gutey has a more open mind. Clay Matthews was the last guy who could win with speed and/or to bend around the edge.
Normally that guy who's 6'5", 245 Lbs. isn't on the Packers radar. Maybe it's time for Gute to broaden that type. I DON'T CARE about any RAS score, or at least make it seem like it's the driving force behind a selection.
What a player scores in spandex in a controlled environment which he trained for the last 3 months means very little to me. Can he play Football? Is he a FOOTBALL player? The Packers need more "Football Players" and less of the RAS underwear winners.
Leatherhead
March 31, 2025 at 11:37 am
Gary's a Pro Bowler and one of the better players on one of the league's better defense.
Van Ness.......the dude is 23. He's had two different DCs in two years. There was a guy named Josh Sweat who people were drooling over this offseason, and his first two seasons in the NFL didn't even come close to matching what VanNess has done. I would caution against a premature evaluation here.
Coldworld
March 31, 2025 at 12:39 pm
So did Cox and he looked more threatening than LVN. In truth, I doubt that any all bull rush attack is going to be consistently effective, but nevertheless if Cox can make a few waves then LVN darn well should have with a lot more snaps under his belt now.
crayzpackfan
March 31, 2025 at 02:18 pm
I would really be interested in seeing GB move LVN inside for some meaningful amount of snaps. There's a part of me that thinks he could really thrive there.
LLCHESTY
March 31, 2025 at 04:53 pm
Stop with the Pro Bowler nonsense. If you're not one of the original players picked you're not a Pro Bowler. At this point it's a worthless moniker.
Leatherhead
April 01, 2025 at 12:40 pm
This is perfectly consistent with your "move the goalposts" modus operandi. It's not enough to be good, you have to be a Pro Bowler. It's not enough to be a Pro Bowler, you have to be an original one. It's not enough to be an original one, you have to be a gamechanger.
For as long as you've been on this site, you move the goal posts. It's not about points, it's about yards/rush. Or sacks. Or something else. Whatever YOU decide.
Me? I like goal posts that don't move.
cdoemel
March 31, 2025 at 11:38 pm
Probowler or not, they were mostly effective, in the first year of a totally new defense for them. Are you saying they don’t have the physical skills? Or the drive and commitment? Are you saying they’re not “Football players?”
dobber
March 31, 2025 at 07:20 am
Luke Skywalker: "(just about) every word you just said...is wrong."
Not being privy to how the Packers plan to manage their impending slew of expiring rookie contracts, there are any number of ways they could attack days 1 and 2 that are consistent with ongoing roster management. The perspective here is shaping the draft through the current roster...not shaping the roster through the draft.
PackEyedOptimist
March 31, 2025 at 07:42 am
Sorry Mark, I completely disagree with your premise.
“WHO IS AVAILABLE” is what matters most.
You seriously think Gute wouldn’t take Jihaad Campbell at 54 if he was there? Or Tyler Warren? Or Ashton-freaking-Jeanty?!
Get real.
BuckyBadger
March 31, 2025 at 09:10 am
If a top RB drops that far I would be willing to bet they would look to trade before they took the player.
PackEyedOptimist
March 31, 2025 at 10:33 am
Oh, I mostly agree with you BB, but you have to have a "dance partner."
If no suitable trade can be made, I think you'd be a fool to pass on someone you believe is MUCH higher-rated on your board.
Do you pass on Barry Sanders because you have a good RB already?
LambeauPlain
March 31, 2025 at 11:06 am
On the other hand, how many passed on Rodgers?
Then on the other, other hand, TT finally agreed with PEO wisdom!
Coldworld
March 31, 2025 at 12:54 pm
Not close to that many and we had the luxury to develop him. Even in 2008, TT hedged his bets with a second round QB and Flynn late.
Coldworld
March 31, 2025 at 12:44 pm
Agreed. On top of that though, if a “top” player falls that far it’s also a huge signal that he’s not a top player in the leagues eyes or has big red health or personality flags.
NFLfan
March 31, 2025 at 08:07 am
This will be Rashan Gary's last year. He will likely slide more (the wrong way) with the end in sight.
Perhaps the new DL coach will get something out of LVN but I'm not holding my breath.
LambeauPlain
March 31, 2025 at 09:36 am
Covington better "get something" out of LVN, and Gary, and Clark, and Wyatt, and Brooks, and Cox, Jr and Enagbare, and Wooden and new guy(s).
Hafley obviously wanted the Belichick long time disciple and has confidence his coaching talent exceeded that of Barry holdover Rebrovich.
Coldworld
March 31, 2025 at 12:51 pm
Unlock one and Gary and whoever else is out there improve. If the vast majority of threat comes from one player, teams have a good chance of negating that or at least restricting the damage. If there are threats from both sides and the middle then it gets very much harder. Add a real threat or get one to develop and every one else improves. Even better if the threat is different in nature and we move people around so opponents can’t just sell out on a bull rush. Last year, apart from a few games with Wyatt early, Gary was the only one on the DL teams had to worry about really. It showed.
TKWorldWide
March 31, 2025 at 08:41 am
Can/will Hobbs play on the outside? How do the current boundary (not slot) corners rank?
Is it
1. Nixon
2. Hobbs
3. Valentine?
Or is there a different order?
Bitternotsour
March 31, 2025 at 10:46 am
it goes Jaire Alexander and then everyone else.
TKWorldWide
March 31, 2025 at 11:18 am
Well, yes. Notice I’m already counting him out? I’d wager if they can’t trade him during the draft they’ll keep him. Hell, maybe he’ll pull a Molitor and be done with his injuries.
#breathnotheld
LambeauPlain
March 31, 2025 at 11:17 am
Hobbs has already played significant snaps on the boundary...more at slot, but it seems Hafley wants his read and react skills outside as a preference.
Leatherhead
March 31, 2025 at 08:51 am
Some of you need to remember that Gary was a Pro Bowler last year, one of the leading players on the league's #6 defense.
T7Steve
March 31, 2025 at 09:36 am
Is it the time of year where everyone is down on all the players?
We do need to improve in all phases just to keep up, but I can't see throwing all these guys under the bus.
Leatherhead
March 31, 2025 at 10:14 am
For a site that's supposed to be for Packer fans, we spend an enormous amount of time bad mouthing our organization, the GM, the HC, the assistant coaches, and most of the players.
dobber
March 31, 2025 at 12:24 pm
And then there are the folks who claim that we---on this site--are too "sunshine and daisies" and don't critique hard enough. I wonder what the sites they go to are like....
Leatherhead
March 31, 2025 at 12:54 pm
Well, there was the site I had for several years.
Look, if you've ever taught school or raised a kid you know that there's a difference between constructive criticism and being negative. I also think it never hurts to remind people of the many, many things Packer fans have to be thankful for.
The draft is coming in few weeks. We're not going to trade for John Hadl or Aaron Rodgers. We're not going to draft a guy who has said he won't play for us. We probably aren't going to draft a punter in the 3rd round. We're returning almost the entire #6 defense. We're returning 85% of the guys we suited up last year on offense.
dobber
March 31, 2025 at 03:36 pm
Shhh! You're a bad fan! Being thankful and enjoying the ride is a sign of weakness....
Coldworld
March 31, 2025 at 01:04 pm
We all thought there would need to be a change in that room when we moved to a 4:3. Yet the team did not change. We still have a DE room that might all be better in a 3:4 (except Moseby). All last season we had a coach with a 3:4 pedigree too. Typically that has not worked for teams. It didn’t for us. Gary is a good enough player that he wasn’t awful, but pretty much everyone else brought very little threat.
One would hope that lesson had been learned: that we realize we need to change things up. Visits suggest that it might have been, but words don’t. At this point it’s action not words that counts. How they address the DE and DT room will do much to shape our upside in my view. Standing largely pat with this group would be both brave and foolhardy. I hope our new coach has already made that clear.
LambeauPlain
March 31, 2025 at 11:19 am
What? There is more to playing Defense than getting sacks? Huh.
Bitternotsour
March 31, 2025 at 04:20 pm
I'm attempting to fact check that right now.
TKWorldWide
April 01, 2025 at 12:18 pm
I’m a big fan of sacks and violins.
BuckyBadger
March 31, 2025 at 09:03 am
Sort of a silly article. Gonna tell me if a QB they rated to go in the 3rd is still their in the 5th they won't take a look? I don't think GMs go into a draft with that kind of mindset.
Leatherhead
March 31, 2025 at 07:18 pm
I don't think they're just grabbing shiny objects off the shelf, either.
I think there is very little ad libbing on draft day. It's the GM's call, the GM's show, but he's speaking for everybody in the organization. The organization has gone over these guys bunches of times, they've visited with them, they've examined all the film, and they have a board where they keep track of stuff like this, so that our GM doesn't go rogue on draft day. He executes the plan or he puts his job on the line. It's not like these teams with an owner who can be capricious.
The Packers are entering the Love Window. We need players who can help now, not three years from now,. I'm pretty sure that by now they've narrowed their first pick down to just a few guys at #23. Neither Gutekunst nor the Packers have much history of trading down in the first round
LambeauPlain
March 31, 2025 at 09:52 am
How the first round drops will be interesting to me for three teams' boards...obviously the Packers, but also the boards for the Chiefs and Patriots.
The Chiefs may be the most attractive trade down partner if one of the KC BAPs are going to be at 23 while Gutey sees several of his BAPs likely to be available at #31. KC would trade their #31 and their 3rd, 4th and 7th rounders. Gutey would love that...as he would still have a first rounder and that 5 year K and 3 more coveted picks.
He could also entertain a trade with the Patriots and receive their high 2nd and 3rd rounders for the #23. Not as good giving up that first round pick...but if he sees a gathering of BAPs on his board likely settling in the top 2nd and 3rd rounds, he'd like that too.
Takes two to play...it would be nice if he is holding court with several teams. Maybe Gutey could get picks and squeeze a young back up player out of the trader too.
But if his BAPs are dropping to #23...
splitpea1
March 31, 2025 at 10:43 am
The Packers should embrace this strong DL class (doesn't happen that often) and select one early. I like Grant a lot, but I don't think he would be available barring a trade up. I haven't heard a lot of discussion about Alfred Collins surprisingly. He's a little older (like Wyatt was) and doesn't have much of a pass rush, but he's huge and an absolute monster against the run--something we're going to need to replace with Slayton gone. Collins was an academic All-American as well, so adding a smart guy can't hurt.
DoubleJ
March 31, 2025 at 10:55 am
Collins would be a Slayton replacement and those can be had in R4 or later. The players like Grant, Harmon, and Nolan that can play the run AND rush the passer are R1 only. Nolan is more straight 3-tech but Harmon and Grant can be nose or 3-tech.
splitpea1
March 31, 2025 at 11:02 am
Multiple prospect rankings have Collins as a second or third round prospect. Walter, who is very reputable, has him as the third-best DT prospect available. Collins may not have much of a pass rush yet, but he'll definitely be able to discard IOLs and push the pocket--hopefully into the QB's lap. I guarantee someone is going to want this guy before the fourth round.
stockholder
March 31, 2025 at 12:41 pm
Collins was wearing a boot at his pro day.
Woud not talk about it.
He does play off balance and falls down.
Harmon pushes back; on one foot too much.
I'll make a bet with anyone-
he blows his knee out in the NFL .
I'd wait and pick Jackson.
Give Wyatt his 5th year and Clark a chance .
He's just been to good when healthy.
Both will be better with another year in this defense.
LLCHESTY
March 31, 2025 at 05:26 pm
No to Collins. They let Slaton walk because he provided no pass rush, it makes no sense to replace him with the same. There are plenty of 320+ DTs to choose from, Collins and Jordan Phillips are not it.
DoubleJ
March 31, 2025 at 10:53 am
I would say that we could see OT/G in R3. Say someone like Wyatt Milum or Charles Grant is available at the end of R3 I could see the Packers drafting them there. They can be swing tackles or G.
Coldworld
March 31, 2025 at 11:07 am
I would be shocked if we draft a C before day 3 if at all. Jenkins is going to C, Rhyan can play C and Monk is still on the roster.
I very much doubt we draft a RB at all. Indeed I could see us taking a QB before that and both not till late. We don’t have a developmental back up beyond a guy we’ve cut once and Wilson is now a rental for a year. We have 4 RBs returning for probably 3 spots already. 2 of those were UDFAs that have proven NFL worthy and one of the others is essentially an extra early draft pick who missed last year and us going to get every chance.
It would not shock me if we picked an OG before a T. Unless they know they want to move on from Walker for contract/cal reasons, we’ve got Morgan already. Unless they really don’t believe he’s a T, they have their back up (who may start inside) but they only have Rhyan to cover all 3 interior positions if Monk is not thought ready at C.
Telfort and Glover clearly weren’t ready at G last year, may never be, and Glover may be deep cover at T as much as a G (Telfort seems now a pure G). We also have the guy we have a big UDFA signing bonus to, Jennings, healthy and able to compete at G. I do not see us picking either a G or a T before day 3 absent a spectacular drop in their eyes. I could see only one OL overall too.
Bitternotsour
March 31, 2025 at 11:17 am
The way the contracts align, I don't agree with your reasoning. Interior and tackle have to be priorities. Rhyan, Tom and Walker are all in contract years and Jenkins contract becomes very expendable at the end of the season regardless of how well he adapts to center. Maybe Monk is the man, but it's a pretty big commitment to someone who hasn't shown anything publicly yet.
I look for significant investments in the O-line.
stockholder
March 31, 2025 at 12:46 pm
if I was Jenkins- I wouldn't play center.
The writing is on the wall.
This is his final year in GB.
LambeauPlain
March 31, 2025 at 11:38 am
I would not be at all shocked taking a C in the first two days. Most Cs can play G...but not all Gs can play C.
If a "C" is drafted, expect him to compete with Rhyan at LG. Then a full scale competition at LT between Morgan and Walker. And I hope the musical chairs end at the start of game 1 and not continued coaching indecision into the season.
Taterhead
March 31, 2025 at 11:48 am
The bigger question is what position of perceived need will go unanswered until maybe late round fliers. Of all the talk on WR and Corners, I think both will be bypassed until day three starts up with round 4 or maybe a round three best available pick. Short of getting a trade back in the first round that adds a 2nd or 3rd, I don't see the packers picking either a WR or DB with the first two rounds with, at best, a WR in the 3rd. Not saying I agree with that but with this years talent and packers drafting history, that would be my bet.
Leatherhead
March 31, 2025 at 11:54 am
Welcome,fellow head.
Needs and Wants:
The Packers need to replace Watson's 555 snaps and 660 yards of offense.
The Packers need to replace the departed Slaton, and his 25 snaps/game or so.
Everything else is a Want. We want an edge rusher, we want some better backups on the Oline. We want another TE. We want a CB.
We take care of our needs and then we get to start taking care of our wants in the third round.
T7Steve
March 31, 2025 at 12:56 pm
Are you saying they replaced all of Stokes's snaps already? I know there were some games especially towards the end where he didn't get many, but against certain situations and offenses he played more and actually played pretty well along with better tackling.
Taterhead
March 31, 2025 at 05:39 pm
100% agree with you. If I was drafting, that is how I would do it. I just don't see the Gute following suit. Short of McMillian dropping in the 1st, I don't think you will see him draft a WR until the 3-4th round. Definitely see a DL in the first round.
LLCHESTY
March 31, 2025 at 06:59 pm
Getting Kraft more targets takes care of half that production. A speedy rookie and improvement by Wicks takes care of the other half. That means making Kraft the #1 or #2 option more often and that means getting a better inline blocker.
stockholder
March 31, 2025 at 12:59 pm
Taking a CB-
Amos is a reach.
Gute has his eye on Hairston, from Kentucky.
If he trades Alexander.
Hell dump any CB.
Proof is Douglass.
Nixon will go for the money. Period.
And I doubt Gute will pay it.
Think Walker and why, he drafted Morgan in the first place.
And if anyone thinks Egbuka is just a slot WR.
That couldn't be further from the truth.
Coldworld
March 31, 2025 at 01:15 pm
Hairston would be one CB that might justify a day 2 pick for a Hafley D. I don’t think Egbuka is a slot in the NFL. I think he’s a Z in a NFL offense who can play some slot despite how college used him.
If they are concerned about Doubs then that has notable appeal. We really don’t have a Z alternative. Reed really struggled there when Doubs was out. Maybe Hicks develops, but that’s asking a lot in one year.
However, the real needs that must be filled are DT, DE and a true X deep threat. CB and Z are the next tier. We do. Not need a slot and we likely don’t start any but a very few CBs in this draft (the most likely we won’t get) this year absent a couple of injuries. There are some interesting CBs for a Hafley D likely to go in the mid rounds.
Unlike some I seriously question us taking a T early. If we do it means they have no faith in Morgan at T and will move on from Walker. Unlike many I doubt both of those things, especially moving on from Walker. There are ways to sign both him and Tom if we want without overly prejudicing the cap. I think we are more likely to rework Jenkins if he plays well early or line up Monk or a resigned Rhyan for 2026.
I think it might be the last year for Clark though. If the rest of the DL fails to improve then If we have not brought in fresh blood this year we may be in panic mode. Wyatt, Gary, Clark, LVN and the rest may all be on the chop or trade block due to contract value or lack of fit in the system colliding with a need to revamp heavily.
I think we take 2DL over the first 4 rounds and 2 WRs intermingled with a CB. After that, a blocking TE, an OL and a high upside gamble. That’s our picks done absent a trade back.
Turophile
March 31, 2025 at 02:09 pm
QB - round 6 at the earliest. An attempt to get a quality backup to Love who would sit as 3rd string this year (behind Malik Willis).
Willis may well want to be a starter somewhere after the 2025 season, if he continues to show out well for the Packers, so he could be a trade option in 2026.
I thought round two is too high for a Center, but then I thought about Jenkins (now aged 30) current contract. The Packers could save $20m if they cut him after 2025...........and with plenty of guys they need to sign in a years time, that saving could look very attractive.
Now there are other options than a high pick at Center in this draft. Rhyan, who plays at a solid starter level, could be a swing interior lineman in 2025 (with Morgan becoming the starter at right guard), only for him to become the starting center in 2026. Rhyan's contract ends after 2025, but he is only 27 now and could have a new contract at the end of the year that reflects him being a bona fide starting center (and being paid a lot more than he makes now).
Wide receiver could easily be a target in round one. It's going to depend on who is available when the pick comes. Really, there are four positions in the frame for the first round pick. WR, CB, Edge, DT.
Any one of them could be the one......and I really don't see an OT in the first, after going there in round one last year - and with the addition already of a solid guard FA. There are at least six starter-level guys in the O line room right now and too many starter-level guys are needed at the other four positions I mentioned.
Positions like RB, TE, ILB are all possible in the latter part of the draft, mainly for ST (and because this years RB class is excellent).
I'd even consider a guy like Borregales (PK) in round 6, as McManus is getting up there in age, but was very reliable in 2024.
Packman60
March 31, 2025 at 06:58 pm
I think Qb & Rb should’ve been switched. Willis will like move on as a free agent next year and picking a Qb to challenge Clifford if someone they like drops to the 5th round would be a smart move. Rb is not needed. They got 4 quality backs now as it is. I fully expect the Packers to draft 2-3 Cb’s , 2 Dl including an edge, 1-2 Ol, 1 Qb and 1 Wr.
WD
April 01, 2025 at 01:15 pm
Whatever happened to Calais Campbell? He would be an upgrade from Slaton in the middle of the DL. Then we could focus on Edge,CB, or even one of the top WRs. Gute says he will take the best available player.
What if one of the top two WRs are on the board at 23? We could really use a big time playmaker on offense now that Watson is most likely out for the season. They say Golden is too small? The end zone doesn't care about size! If he is a difference playmaker his size doesn't matter. Our offense needs a big time jolt. Pick Golden if available .