Closer look at Green Bay Packers 2025 draft picks

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The Green Bay Packers selected eight players during the 2025 NFL draft, including first-round pick Matthew Golden, two offensive linemen, two edge rushers and late-round picks at defensive tackle and cornerback.

It’s now time to dig into the draft class and find out what the Packers added to their roster during the year’s biggest roster-building event.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the entire draft class, providing breakdowns, player profiles, scouting reports from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler and comments from the Packers on all eight selections in 2025:

First round, No. 23 overall: WR Matthew Golden​


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Breakdown: Spent two years at Houston before transferring to Texas in 2024. Led the Longhorns in receiving (987 yards, nine touchdowns). Exploded down the stretch, producing over 100 receiving yards in the SEC title game and CFP quarterfinal. Elite speed, ran 4.29 in the 40 and was the fastest receiver at the combine. Fast, but also fluid. Can drop weight at the top of routes and has instant stop-start acceleration. Caught 76 passes across two seasons at Houston -- hauled in seven touchdown passes as a true freshman and returned two kicks for touchdowns. Not the biggest receiver at 5-11 and 191 pounds but the Packers think he can play on the perimeter and in the slot. Natural hands catcher who can win contested catches, especially along the sideline and in the red zone. Field-stretching speed.

Brugler’s scouting report: "A one-year starter at Texas, Golden was the Z receiver in head coach Steve Sarkisian's RPO pro-style spread offense and was used across the formation with heavy motions (76.1 percent of snaps wide, 23.9 percent in the slot). After two promising seasons in Houston's Air Raid scheme, he was an underrated addition for the Longhorns in 2024 and proved especially valuable when it mattered most, averaging 102.8 receiving yards over his final four games (SEC championship and three playoff games). Fluid in and out of his breaks, Golden shows a plan as a route runner — I love his ability to break down corners by keeping his eyes, hips and feet in sync. That coordination also translates to the catch point with his very natural ball skills to track, frame and finish. Overall, it might bother some teams that he doesn't have better size, but Golden also doesn't have any glaring flaws to his game that would keep him from becoming a productive pro. He can play inside or outside and become the go-to target for an NFL offense."

They said it: "He's fast. Really athletic. Excellent hands. And I just think he's a Packer. He's the kind of guy we want in the locker room. He's going to fit in with our guys...he's a lot more than just a fast guy. Can get in and out of his breaks, gets open against man coverage, has excellent hands. Very versatile player, can play inside and can play outside, can do some kick returning as well. He's a guy that can help us in a lot of ways. " -- GM Brian Gutekunst

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Second round, No. 54 overall: OL Anthony Belton, North Carolina State​


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Breakdown: Massive (6-6, 336) and experienced (32 starts at left tackle) offensive lineman who could have four-position versatility at the next level. The Packers think he's nimble and athletic enough to play tackle and powerful enough to play guard inside. Allowed only 12 pressures during a terrific final season at NC State. Committed 24 penalties over final three seasons -- eight each season. Potential for versatility but played 99 percent of collegiate snaps at left tackle. PFF grades as a pass-blocker were consistently good. Had three penalties while battling first-round pick James Pearce Jr. in 2024. Was ejected from a game for spitting on a player in 2024. Proved movement ability on the edges to Packers at the Senior Bowl.

Brugler’s scouting report: "A three-year starter at NC State, Belton lined up at left tackle in former offensive coordinator Robert Anae's zone-blocking scheme. After two years at Georgia Military College (where he was teammates with YaYa Diaby), he transferred to the Wolfpack and entrenched himself as the starting left tackle the past three seasons. Because of his size, you don't need to know his jersey number to spot him on film — he received the nickname "Escalade" inside the NC State program, because of the way he can move (at his best on inside zone runs). He can get in the way as a blocker and control rushers, if his hands are right (big "if"). Overall, Belton uses his size and length to keep the game on his terms, staying centered and forcing defenders to try to go through him. When he is unable to do that, his body control and footwork break down quickly, which needs to be further addressed by NFL coaching. With improved consistency, he has the tools to get on the field and contribute."

They said it: "Oh, absolutely he can play guard. One, the size, the girth, and his ability to move people. When he gets on you, he can get thick on you in a hurry and kind of road grade you out of the way. I think the ability to play against big people inside and hold up in the pass game, versus power, you’re not going to see him in the quarterback’s lap too often. He can do those things. I think he’s got all the athleticism and length to play on the edge, or outside at tackle, right or left, if need be, and I think you can kick him in to guard and you can a really good player there, too.” -- Packers director of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan

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Third round, No. 87 overall: WR Savion Williams, TCU​


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Breakdown: Fun gadget weapon with the size and athleticism to be a real problem at the next level if a playcaller can scheme him touches and develop his skill set. Lined up at receiver, running back and Wildcat quarterback for TCU in 2024, catching 60 passes and carrying the football 51 times. Produced over 2,000 total yards and scored 20 times over 199 collegiate touches. Powerful, explosive runner-- forced 40 missed tackles last season. Big hands (10 1/4") and consistently won contested catches but also dropped way too many passes -- Captain and go-to playmaker in 2024. Raw route runner who needs to develop a well-rounded skill set at the NFL level.

Brugler’s scouting report: "A three-year starter at TCU, Williams transitioned to a hybrid receiver role ("Frog" package) as a super senior in offensive coordinator Kendal Briles' up-tempo, spread attack. He split his 2024 snaps between wide receiver (exclusively to the left of the formation) and the backfield (84 snaps), as either a running back or wildcat quarterback. With just 23 targets of more than 10 yards (resulting in nine catches), he was basically an extension of the run game on screens and slants. He also averaged eight carries per game over the final six contests of 2024. A big, physically imposing athlete, Williams has some freaky traits that will tease playmaking flashes (very fitting that he grew up idolizing Calvin Johnson). He can play above the rim and has a knack for pulling in contested catches, but he needs to show better confidence in his hands and improve the details of his routes. Overall, TCU leaned into Williams' unique athletic profile in 2024, and the manufactured touches showcased his ability to create with the ball. However, the move came out of necessity, because of Williams' inconsistencies as a traditional receiver. He projects as more of a "joker" weapon and needs a creative play caller who can utilize him in different ways (similar to Cordarrelle Patterson)."

They said it: ““They moved him all around in different ways, I thought there was a little bit of a rawness to his game as far as the polish as a route-runner, and things like that. But his ability to create separation and get behind guys vertically and catch the football, all those things I think, he just really seemed to fit what we’re trying to do...His ability with the ball in his hands. Obviously, size as well. He’s a huge man, but his determination, his ability, his elusiveness, his power, his ability to break tackles, I just thought those were the first things that stuck out to you.” -- GM Brian Gutekunst

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Fourth round, No. 124 overall: DE Barryn Sorrell, Texas​


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Breakdown: Experienced (49 games, 40 starts at Texas) and athletic (9.31 RAS) with the physical, tone-setting playstyle the Packers want in a three-down edge player. Steady, solid player who didn't have big dips in performance week to week. Produced 49 pressures, 11.0 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks last season. Finished career with 25.5 tackles for loss and 15.0 sacks. High character, high energy player and a leader for the once again dominant Texas program. Lacks ideal length for an edge rusher but plays fast and strong. Got reps inside and was effective on stunts and twists up front. Was voted the American team's top defensive lineman during the Senior Bowl.

Brugler's scouting report: "A three-year starter at Texas, Sorrell lined up primarily on the edge (five-/six-technique) in defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski's front. A dependable player over his 40 starts in Austin, he showed gradual improvements each season and didn't receive enough credit in 2024 for his impact on Texas' third-ranked defense. As a pass rusher, Sorrell flashes bully hands and an aggressive snatch attack (which became his signature move), locking out and pulling the balance of blockers away from them (led Texas with 49 pressures in 2024, despite finishing fourth on the team in sacks). He is relentless in the run game, but he will lose contain against cutback runs and needs to play with better gear-down to eliminate missed tackles in pursuit. Overall, Sorrell passes the eye test and the foundation of his game is power, which sets up different ways for him to win, although his average short-area athleticism might limit the frequency of those wins against NFL blockers. His makeup and motor will give him a chance to carve out a role for a 4-3 scheme."

They said it: "If you were to open a dictionary and see the definition of a football player, it would be him. Incredibly impressed with the way he plays, the rugged style, physicality, but then also who he is. The guy, the passion, energy he plays with, there's a lot to like...He's very football strong. Can take on the double team. Can play the tight end. Can play the open side against the tackle. And he has knockback...he can play on all three downs. His style of play matches what we want to do." -- Director of football operations Milt Hendrickson

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Fifth round, No. 159 overall: DE/LB Collin Oliver, Oklahoma State​


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Breakdown: Tweener in terms of size but the Packers see an edge rusher with twitch and explosiveness and an ability to be a "designated pass rusher" for Jeff Hafley while also playing some off-ball linebacker -- two roles he played at Oklahoma State. Elite athlete with big-time get off the ball. Produced big-time disruptive numbers -- 40.5 tackles for loss and 23.5 sacks. Had 49 pressures, 41 stops and 25 missed tackles during a wild 2023 season in which he split time on the edge and linebacker. Packers love the playstyle and think he can be a plus special teamer. Was a Freshman All-American in 2021 and a three-time All-Big 12 pick. Missed 10 games with a foot injury in 2024. Played in the Senior Bowl and tested at the combine, giving Packers confidence in his return from injury.

Brugler’s scouting report: "A three-year starter at Oklahoma State, Oliver was a hybrid weakside linebacker in former defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo's 3-3-5 base scheme, standing up as a wide edge and of-the-ball 'backer. A defensive end his first two seasons in Stillwater, he moved to linebacker in the spring of 2023, although he was at his best when allowed to rush the pocket. He led the team in sacks his first three seasons — and likely would have again in 2024, were it not for his season-ending foot injury. With his short-area burst and high energy, Oliver makes himself a fast, small target for blockers, and he plays with better force than expected for his size. Though it is easy to love his football-playing temperament, his sawed-of body can leave him tied up and overwhelmed, especially in tight quarters. Overall, Oliver is an explosive, leverage-based rusher, but he lacks the measurables for full-time edge work and is unproven dropping or playing from depth. He projects best as a nickel rusher with long-term potential as a developmental of-ball linebacker."

They said it: "You turn the (2023) tape on him and you can see he’s got a twitch and explosiveness off the edge that brings a little bit more of a unique skill set that way. He’s also got some versatility that’s going to allow him to potentially play some stack (linebacker) and then he brings incredible special teams value with his whole skill set.” -- Packers director of scouting Milt Hendrickson

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Sixth round, No. 198 overall: DL Warren Brinson, Georgia​


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Breakdown: Consistently solid interior defender for Georgia's talent-rich defensive front. Produced 36 pressures and 31 stops over final two seasons in Athens. Played in 59 career games and was used at multiple defensive line spots. Terrific athletic at his size -- 6-5 and 315 pounds with a wingspan over 80" and 10 1/2" hands. Packers like his combination of pass-rushing potential and versatility.

Brugler’s scouting report: "A part-time starter at Georgia, Brinson played across the defensive line in head coach Kirby Smart's hybrid fronts, lining up at the 4i-technique, sliding down to the nose in bear looks and aligning everywhere in between. His defensive snap count increased each of his five seasons in Athens, and he put steady play on tape — despite a stat sheet that won't draw the eye. Brinson is fairly stout against the run and works to keep his arms locked out to find the ball and create stuffs. He has explosive moments when he is given the freedom to pursue the pocket, but he'll need to be better with his hands and overall rush plan to get NFL blockers of balance. Overall, Brinson flashes NFL-level play with his ability to get of blocks and force his way through gaps, but excitement over his talent needs to be tempered by his sporadic impact. He offers intriguing tools in an NFL-ready body."

They said it: “I think Brinson coming out probably has a little more pass rush naturally. But again, a really big man that can do a lot of things. I think the coaching staff and I know I believe he can play up and down the line. He’s not just a one position player on the defensive line. So that was one of the things that attracted us to him.” -- GM Brian Gutekunst

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Seventh round, No. 237 overall: CB Micah Robinson, Tulane​


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Breakdown: Spent four seasons at Furman before transferring to Tulane. Was the top graded defensive player for Tulane's terrific 2024 defense. Allowed a passer rating of only 52.4 into his coverage, with two picks, four pass breakups and a forced fumble. Smaller than the Packers like at 5-10 and 183 pounds but the team likes his movement ability for the position. Ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38-4.42 seconds. Played mostly on the perimeter across five collegiate seasons. Finished career with seven interceptions.

They said it: "He’s got great feet, he can play off-man coverage, which is one of the harder things to do.He took up a step from Furman to Tulane, and really played really, really well in his first season there. So I think as he gets more reps against really better competition, I think he’s going to continue to improve. He doesn’t have elite size, but I thought his speed and his ability as an athlete to stay with guys, particularly from playing off coverage which is so hard, and he’s got great ball skills.” -- GM Brian Gutekunst

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Seventh round, No. 250 overall: OL John Williams, Cincinnati​


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Breakdown: Started 27 games at left tackle for Cincinnati, including 24 straight over the last two seasons. His 6-4, 322-pound frame looks made for moving inside to guard. Allowed only one sack and eight total pressures as a pass-blocker and committed only two penalties in 2024. The Packers have a long history of turning athletic left tackles in college into solid, reliable guards in the NFL. Aerospace engineer major. Big hands (11") and strong (29 reps on the bench).

Brugler’s scouting report: A two-year starter at Cincinnati, Williams was a steady presence at left tackle in ofensive coordinator Brad Glenn's zone-based run scheme with some gap methods. He waited his turn as a reserve over his first few years on campus but was ready for the starting job the past two seasons — he allowed just three combined sacks. At his best in pass protection, Williams quickly gets out of his stance to close space, stay balanced in his mirror and absorb/fend with his hands. He shows functional mobility and body control in the run game to seal the lane, but he isn't a mauler (physically or mentally) and likely never will be. Overall, Williams has the footwork and pass-blocking instincts that will play well at the next level, but the main concern is about his ability to halt and move NFL defensive linemen. Some of his skills work best at tackle, others at guard — and he might be caught in the middle."

They said it: “He’s got great length, exceptionally bright. Really, really, really smart. He’s got the versatility to play left tackle and guard. He probably could play center because he’s smart enough to, he’s one of the few guys who can really play with full extension with his hands and is moving his feet at the same time." -- GM Brian Gutekunst

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This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Closer look at Green Bay Packers 2025 draft picks

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