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The Green Bay Packers made eight selections in the 2025 NFL draft, starting with receiver Matthew Golden at No. 23 overall in the first round and ending with offensive lineman John Williams at No. 250 overall in the seventh round.
It’s time to break down the class. Best picks. Sleepers. Winners. Strategy. Let’s dig in.
Here’s a closer look at the Packers’ draft class in 2025:
The Packers erased over two decades of passing on receivers in the first round by taking Golden, a top-20 player in the class for many top analysts, an ascending 21-year-old pass-catcher and the fastest receiver from the combine. The pick on Thursday night -- sold brilliantly at the podium in Green Bay by Mark Murphy -- created an unforgettable draft moment. Now, it's on Golden to make the selection truly historic. He has elite speed, fluidity within routes, stop-start acceleration, ball skills down the field and body control near the boundary, and the Packers believe he has terrific hands. Given his speed and inside-out versatility, Golden could contribute right away in 2025 with the potential to emerge as a go-to option in the passing game -- either at some point in his rookie season or early in his rookie contract. He could feast off free releases from pre-snap motion and on deep crossers and corners, all staples in the Matt LaFleur offense, and his vertical speed could help replace the coverage gravity of Christian Watson. There is a buzz to this pick simply because it's the long-awaited receiver in the first round, but Golden is a good player with thrilling potential, especially in this scheme.
Sorrell might not have 15-sack potential at the next level, but he's a steady, reliable and physical player at a premium position who the Packers got at No. 124 overall in the fourth round. I will be shocked -- shocked! -- if there are 123 better players from the 2025 draft class in five years. Sorrell is a 91 percentile athlete relative to size at edge rusher, plays hard every second of every play, was productive and consistent for an ascending major college program and comes to the NFL with high marks as a teammate, leader and person. This mix of traits and intangibles so often creates a quality professional player, and the Packers got Sorrell on Day 3. Don't be surprised if he ends up being the team's next mid-round home run pick. Likely a rotational player as a rookie, Sorrell has starting potential early in his career based on his vast experience over three years at Texas and playstyle as a tone-setting 4-3 defensive end. The Packers waited to address defensive end in this draft, but Sorrell was worth the wait.
Oliver is unlike any pass-rusher the Packers have had in the Matt LaFleur era. He is 6-1 and only 240 pounds, but he's an explosive, bendy edge-rusher with an incredible blend of get-off and short-area quickness -- plus traits he used to consistently disrupt at the collegiate level. The Packers see him as a likely designated pass rusher, and that's just fine. This defensive front needed new flavors. Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness are power; Oliver has the bend and quick-win ability. Even if Oliver isn't a three-down player at any point in his rookie deal, he could be an impactful rusher on passing downs and a core special teamer almost right away. The Packers even see some off-ball linebacker potential. Without a foot injury that limited him to only two games last season, Oliver probably wouldn't have been available in the fifth round. The Packers are getting a unique and potentially valuable player at a premium position, possibly at a discount.
The range of outcomes here is immense. Williams is an elite height-weight-speed athlete with true gadget skills and an incredible ability to break tackles and make things happen with the ball in his hands. In a deep offense where he doesn't need to be the go-to guy, Williams can play a specific role and could thrive, especially if Matt LaFleur proves his creative mettle as a play designer and play caller. He also has obvious potential as a kick returner. But teams have chased this Deebo Samuel-type unicorn player for years, and the vision rarely works. Williams is limited as a true receiver and has very shaky hands down the field, even if he's been a high-percentage contested catcher. By midseason last year, TCU essentially turned him into a Wildcat quarterback. The 87th overall pick could be a dynamic playmaker in the right role, which the current Packers can likely offer, but a lot of development at his position is still required from an almost 24-year-old rookie who played five seasons at TCU.
Belton as a member of the Packers draft class isn't surprising -- he was a pre-draft visitor to Green Bay, and there's been a clear shift towards bigger offensive linemen in recent years. But taking Belton at No. 54 overall in the second round was a surprise. By almost every big board, whether individual or consensus, Belton was a third- or fourth-round player. Maybe most surprising was taking a 24-year-old, 336-pound offensive lineman over a cornerback or defensive front player -- but the board didn't really fall right for the Packers at either position on the first two days. The Packers think Belton can play four different positions, and being a 24-year-old with 32 career starts should mean he's physically ready to play right away. He's also surprisingly nimble for a man of his size. It's possible he'll compete to start at right guard in 2025, and he'll be a starting candidate at several positions come 2026.
The Packers spent the first two days of the draft loading up on help for the playcaller and quarterback. Golden is scheme-perfect fit at receiver who adds field-stretching speed and explosive play potential. Belton ensures the Packers have potentially seven starting-caliber offensive linemen in 2025 and security for the starting offensive line in 2026 and beyond. Williams is nothing if not a fun new toy, given his gadget skills and YAC potential. The Packers invested in the passing game and offensive line. What more could an offensive-based coach and passer want? The Packers offense has huge potential and very few excuses entering 2025.
This will be the question to monitor from the 2025 class. With clear needs at corner and defensive tackle, the Packers went all offense during the first two days and didn't hit two important spots until late on Day 3. So why no corners? The Packers didn't see one worth taking over Matthew Golden in the first round (we agree), and most of the Day 2 corners (see: Will Johnson, Benjamin Morrison, Shavon Revel) had bright red injury flags attached to their profile. Comparing Anthony Belton to Trey Amos (the best non-injured corner on the board in Round 2) will be common over the next few years. The board just didn't fall right, both at corner and defensive tackle. The Packers either had to reach early for a big guy along the defensive front or trust the board and wait, and they almost certainly did the right thing process-wise. But missing out on the best players at the two positions is a bummer, especially in what was a very deep defensive tackle draft. The Packers like their corners far more than outsiders, and it sounds like the door remains slightly ajar for a Jaire Alexander return.
Consider me mostly neutral on the Packers’ draft class. Brian Gutekunst made only eight picks, so it lacks the depth of recent Green Bay draft classes. This was a draft of toys and big people. Matthew Golden brings big-time playmaking ability and a potential future No. 1 target in the passing game. Savion Williams is a fun, tackle-breaking weapon with big-upside as a gadget. Anthony Belton and John Williams give the offensive line two big, athletic and versatile options. Sorrell (a reliable, steady and traditional 4-3 end) and Oliver (an explosive, undersized, designated pass-rusher) will be the new quarterback hunters. The Packers passed on a cornerback early and didn’t address the defensive front until early on Day 3, but charging up the offense was a clear priority early. I’m not sure I love this class, but I don’t hate it. I see at least three future starters (Golden, Belton, Sorrell) and two really exciting playmakers (Williams, Oliver) who could contribute on special teams. Also, don't sleep on expected undrafted signings Nazir Stackhouse and Jamon Dumas-Johnson, who had draftable grades and could compete for 53-man roster spots at nose tackle (Stackhouse) and linebacker (Dumas-Johnson). They turn this eight-man class into something closer to a 10-man class. Overall, the Packers get a solid but mostly unspectacular grade from me.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Breaking down Packers 2025 draft class: Best picks, sleepers, overall assessment
Continue reading...
It’s time to break down the class. Best picks. Sleepers. Winners. Strategy. Let’s dig in.
Here’s a closer look at the Packers’ draft class in 2025:
First pick: WR Matthew Golden
The Packers erased over two decades of passing on receivers in the first round by taking Golden, a top-20 player in the class for many top analysts, an ascending 21-year-old pass-catcher and the fastest receiver from the combine. The pick on Thursday night -- sold brilliantly at the podium in Green Bay by Mark Murphy -- created an unforgettable draft moment. Now, it's on Golden to make the selection truly historic. He has elite speed, fluidity within routes, stop-start acceleration, ball skills down the field and body control near the boundary, and the Packers believe he has terrific hands. Given his speed and inside-out versatility, Golden could contribute right away in 2025 with the potential to emerge as a go-to option in the passing game -- either at some point in his rookie season or early in his rookie contract. He could feast off free releases from pre-snap motion and on deep crossers and corners, all staples in the Matt LaFleur offense, and his vertical speed could help replace the coverage gravity of Christian Watson. There is a buzz to this pick simply because it's the long-awaited receiver in the first round, but Golden is a good player with thrilling potential, especially in this scheme.
Best pick: DE Barryn Sorrell
Sorrell might not have 15-sack potential at the next level, but he's a steady, reliable and physical player at a premium position who the Packers got at No. 124 overall in the fourth round. I will be shocked -- shocked! -- if there are 123 better players from the 2025 draft class in five years. Sorrell is a 91 percentile athlete relative to size at edge rusher, plays hard every second of every play, was productive and consistent for an ascending major college program and comes to the NFL with high marks as a teammate, leader and person. This mix of traits and intangibles so often creates a quality professional player, and the Packers got Sorrell on Day 3. Don't be surprised if he ends up being the team's next mid-round home run pick. Likely a rotational player as a rookie, Sorrell has starting potential early in his career based on his vast experience over three years at Texas and playstyle as a tone-setting 4-3 defensive end. The Packers waited to address defensive end in this draft, but Sorrell was worth the wait.
Sleeper pick: DE Collin Oliver
Oliver is unlike any pass-rusher the Packers have had in the Matt LaFleur era. He is 6-1 and only 240 pounds, but he's an explosive, bendy edge-rusher with an incredible blend of get-off and short-area quickness -- plus traits he used to consistently disrupt at the collegiate level. The Packers see him as a likely designated pass rusher, and that's just fine. This defensive front needed new flavors. Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness are power; Oliver has the bend and quick-win ability. Even if Oliver isn't a three-down player at any point in his rookie deal, he could be an impactful rusher on passing downs and a core special teamer almost right away. The Packers even see some off-ball linebacker potential. Without a foot injury that limited him to only two games last season, Oliver probably wouldn't have been available in the fifth round. The Packers are getting a unique and potentially valuable player at a premium position, possibly at a discount.
Most intriguing pick: WR Savion Williams
The range of outcomes here is immense. Williams is an elite height-weight-speed athlete with true gadget skills and an incredible ability to break tackles and make things happen with the ball in his hands. In a deep offense where he doesn't need to be the go-to guy, Williams can play a specific role and could thrive, especially if Matt LaFleur proves his creative mettle as a play designer and play caller. He also has obvious potential as a kick returner. But teams have chased this Deebo Samuel-type unicorn player for years, and the vision rarely works. Williams is limited as a true receiver and has very shaky hands down the field, even if he's been a high-percentage contested catcher. By midseason last year, TCU essentially turned him into a Wildcat quarterback. The 87th overall pick could be a dynamic playmaker in the right role, which the current Packers can likely offer, but a lot of development at his position is still required from an almost 24-year-old rookie who played five seasons at TCU.
Biggest surprise: OL Anthony Belton
Belton as a member of the Packers draft class isn't surprising -- he was a pre-draft visitor to Green Bay, and there's been a clear shift towards bigger offensive linemen in recent years. But taking Belton at No. 54 overall in the second round was a surprise. By almost every big board, whether individual or consensus, Belton was a third- or fourth-round player. Maybe most surprising was taking a 24-year-old, 336-pound offensive lineman over a cornerback or defensive front player -- but the board didn't really fall right for the Packers at either position on the first two days. The Packers think Belton can play four different positions, and being a 24-year-old with 32 career starts should mean he's physically ready to play right away. He's also surprisingly nimble for a man of his size. It's possible he'll compete to start at right guard in 2025, and he'll be a starting candidate at several positions come 2026.
Biggest winner: Matt LaFleur and Jordan Love
The Packers spent the first two days of the draft loading up on help for the playcaller and quarterback. Golden is scheme-perfect fit at receiver who adds field-stretching speed and explosive play potential. Belton ensures the Packers have potentially seven starting-caliber offensive linemen in 2025 and security for the starting offensive line in 2026 and beyond. Williams is nothing if not a fun new toy, given his gadget skills and YAC potential. The Packers invested in the passing game and offensive line. What more could an offensive-based coach and passer want? The Packers offense has huge potential and very few excuses entering 2025.
Strategy breakdown: No corners, no defensive tackles until Day 3?
This will be the question to monitor from the 2025 class. With clear needs at corner and defensive tackle, the Packers went all offense during the first two days and didn't hit two important spots until late on Day 3. So why no corners? The Packers didn't see one worth taking over Matthew Golden in the first round (we agree), and most of the Day 2 corners (see: Will Johnson, Benjamin Morrison, Shavon Revel) had bright red injury flags attached to their profile. Comparing Anthony Belton to Trey Amos (the best non-injured corner on the board in Round 2) will be common over the next few years. The board just didn't fall right, both at corner and defensive tackle. The Packers either had to reach early for a big guy along the defensive front or trust the board and wait, and they almost certainly did the right thing process-wise. But missing out on the best players at the two positions is a bummer, especially in what was a very deep defensive tackle draft. The Packers like their corners far more than outsiders, and it sounds like the door remains slightly ajar for a Jaire Alexander return.
Overall assessment
Consider me mostly neutral on the Packers’ draft class. Brian Gutekunst made only eight picks, so it lacks the depth of recent Green Bay draft classes. This was a draft of toys and big people. Matthew Golden brings big-time playmaking ability and a potential future No. 1 target in the passing game. Savion Williams is a fun, tackle-breaking weapon with big-upside as a gadget. Anthony Belton and John Williams give the offensive line two big, athletic and versatile options. Sorrell (a reliable, steady and traditional 4-3 end) and Oliver (an explosive, undersized, designated pass-rusher) will be the new quarterback hunters. The Packers passed on a cornerback early and didn’t address the defensive front until early on Day 3, but charging up the offense was a clear priority early. I’m not sure I love this class, but I don’t hate it. I see at least three future starters (Golden, Belton, Sorrell) and two really exciting playmakers (Williams, Oliver) who could contribute on special teams. Also, don't sleep on expected undrafted signings Nazir Stackhouse and Jamon Dumas-Johnson, who had draftable grades and could compete for 53-man roster spots at nose tackle (Stackhouse) and linebacker (Dumas-Johnson). They turn this eight-man class into something closer to a 10-man class. Overall, the Packers get a solid but mostly unspectacular grade from me.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Breaking down Packers 2025 draft class: Best picks, sleepers, overall assessment
Continue reading...
