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The Green Bay Packers have work to do in the 2025 NFL draft. Brian Gutekunst's roster is mostly solid, and one could argue that the Packers won't need a rookie to play right away, but that isn't to say that upgrades and improvements aren't needed at several position groups.
It could be a time for the Packers to be bold. First-round receiver? That might be the boldest of all predictions, considering Green Bay hasn't taken a receiver in the first round in over 20 years. Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur might need to be bold to help the Packers get over the hump after back-to-back playoff trips.
Here are some bold predictions on the Packers entering the 2025 draft:
The Packers will go into the draft with only eight picks, but my bold prediction is at least half -- or four or more -- of the team's picks will be spent on line of scrimmage players, meaning offensive linemen, edge rushers or defensive tackles. The Packers have six players they believe can start along the offensive line, but the depth behind the six is scary, Zach Tom, Rasheed Walker Sean Rhyan are entering contract years and Elgton Jenkins might only have one season to prove he can be an elite center (his base salary jumps to over $18 million in 2026). I think the Packers could draft at least two offensive linemen to ensure long-term health at the position group. The needs at edge rusher and defensive tackle are more defined and obvious, and this is a good class of edge rushers and an incredibly deep class of defensive tackles. The Packers should get one of each, possibly early. The defensive front needs the talent and competition upgrade, and this is a good year to do it. Add everything up, including the depth and stability at positions like quarterback, running back, linebacker and safety, and I'll bet the Packers are going to be investing heavily into the trenches in this draft.
The Packers are expected to be in the market for a cornerback in this year's draft, but no one knows when. They have hosted top cornerbacks Trey Amos and Shavon Revel Jr. on top 30 visits, signaling they could try to snag one with one of their first two picks. However, I'm willing to predict there is a strong chance Green Bay will wait until Day 3 to address the position. They gained some flexibility after signing free-agent Nate Hobbs, who can play inside or outside if needed. Jaire Alexander is also still on the roster, and there is no resolution in sight to his pending status with the team. Undoubtedly, the Packers could use some depth in their corner room, but other areas of the roster may have higher priority. Don't be surprised if they wait until the fourth or fifth round to take someone like Louisville's Quincy Riley or California's Nohl Williams.
Is it a bold prediction to say that Brian Gutekunst is going to take two players from the same program? Probably not that spicy when you consider he took a pair of Georgia Bulldogs in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. So let's kick it up a notch. My "bold" prediction is that Gutekunst selects three Oregon Ducks defensive linemen. Derrick Harmon will be the first-round selection on April 24th. Gutekunst will then turn back to the Oregon pipeline by drafting Harmon’s teammate Jordan Burch on Day 2 of the draft. Then, Gutekunst will kick off Day 3 of the draft by selecting an Oregon Duck for the second straight year when he selects Jamaree Caldwell, a player who has drawn comparisons to former Green Bay nose tackle B.J. Raji. All three players check the boxes and would fit a need for the Packers.
Based on how the consensus big board looks right now, there are plenty of guys projected to go between picks 50 and 70 who Green Bay will like, but the well dries up pretty quickly after that, at least in terms of their usual types. They should have no problem finding value with their pick at 54 overall, but if there are still players on their board after that with a second-round grade – and in this class, which has a lot of solid starters, that will probably be the case – I could see them being aggressive in trying to move up from 87 and grab someone. My hunch is that it would be for a wide receiver, such as Elic Ayomanor or Jalen Royals if they fall far enough.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Bold predictions for Packers ahead of 2025 NFL draft
Continue reading...
It could be a time for the Packers to be bold. First-round receiver? That might be the boldest of all predictions, considering Green Bay hasn't taken a receiver in the first round in over 20 years. Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur might need to be bold to help the Packers get over the hump after back-to-back playoff trips.
Here are some bold predictions on the Packers entering the 2025 draft:
Zach Kruse: At least half the Packers' draft will be LOS players
The Packers will go into the draft with only eight picks, but my bold prediction is at least half -- or four or more -- of the team's picks will be spent on line of scrimmage players, meaning offensive linemen, edge rushers or defensive tackles. The Packers have six players they believe can start along the offensive line, but the depth behind the six is scary, Zach Tom, Rasheed Walker Sean Rhyan are entering contract years and Elgton Jenkins might only have one season to prove he can be an elite center (his base salary jumps to over $18 million in 2026). I think the Packers could draft at least two offensive linemen to ensure long-term health at the position group. The needs at edge rusher and defensive tackle are more defined and obvious, and this is a good class of edge rushers and an incredibly deep class of defensive tackles. The Packers should get one of each, possibly early. The defensive front needs the talent and competition upgrade, and this is a good year to do it. Add everything up, including the depth and stability at positions like quarterback, running back, linebacker and safety, and I'll bet the Packers are going to be investing heavily into the trenches in this draft.
Brandon Carwile: Packers will wait until Day 3 to draft a cornerback
The Packers are expected to be in the market for a cornerback in this year's draft, but no one knows when. They have hosted top cornerbacks Trey Amos and Shavon Revel Jr. on top 30 visits, signaling they could try to snag one with one of their first two picks. However, I'm willing to predict there is a strong chance Green Bay will wait until Day 3 to address the position. They gained some flexibility after signing free-agent Nate Hobbs, who can play inside or outside if needed. Jaire Alexander is also still on the roster, and there is no resolution in sight to his pending status with the team. Undoubtedly, the Packers could use some depth in their corner room, but other areas of the roster may have higher priority. Don't be surprised if they wait until the fourth or fifth round to take someone like Louisville's Quincy Riley or California's Nohl Williams.
Brennen Rupp: Packers will pick three DL from Oregon
Is it a bold prediction to say that Brian Gutekunst is going to take two players from the same program? Probably not that spicy when you consider he took a pair of Georgia Bulldogs in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. So let's kick it up a notch. My "bold" prediction is that Gutekunst selects three Oregon Ducks defensive linemen. Derrick Harmon will be the first-round selection on April 24th. Gutekunst will then turn back to the Oregon pipeline by drafting Harmon’s teammate Jordan Burch on Day 2 of the draft. Then, Gutekunst will kick off Day 3 of the draft by selecting an Oregon Duck for the second straight year when he selects Jamaree Caldwell, a player who has drawn comparisons to former Green Bay nose tackle B.J. Raji. All three players check the boxes and would fit a need for the Packers.
Mark Oldacres: Packers will trade up in third round
Based on how the consensus big board looks right now, there are plenty of guys projected to go between picks 50 and 70 who Green Bay will like, but the well dries up pretty quickly after that, at least in terms of their usual types. They should have no problem finding value with their pick at 54 overall, but if there are still players on their board after that with a second-round grade – and in this class, which has a lot of solid starters, that will probably be the case – I could see them being aggressive in trying to move up from 87 and grab someone. My hunch is that it would be for a wide receiver, such as Elic Ayomanor or Jalen Royals if they fall far enough.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Bold predictions for Packers ahead of 2025 NFL draft
Continue reading...
