The Green Bay Packers are less than three months away from their first-round draft selection at the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin. As the three-day event inches closer, the Packers front office is beginning to narrow down their priorities for each of their seven picks, especially the 23rd overall. In preparation for late April, let us have a look at the positions that Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst needs to focus on replenishing and which ones he can dismiss entirely.
What Positions Do The Packers Need To Fortify In The 2025 NFL Draft?
Fortify – Edge Rushers
Aside from first-time Pro Bowler Rashan Gary, not much was happening as far as the pass rush was concerned for Green Bay in 2024. Lukas Van Ness had a down year when it was expected he would be up and running. With Kingsley Enagbare and Brenton Cox Jr. next up in the depth chart and Gutekunst having voiced his opinion on increasing representation in the front seven, don’t be surprised if they go that route in the first round with guys like Mike Green from Marshall or James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee.
Forgo – Safeties
The Packers focused on trying to perfect the safety position in the 2024 NFL Draft with Javon Bullard and Evan Williams going to Green Bay in the first three rounds. Both players have shown their worth alongside star defensive back Xavier McKinney and with all three of them healthy, there is no need to waste an early pick on a safety.
Fortify – Cornerbacks
Unlike the safety position, the Packers have been reluctant to use a high draft pick on a cornerback since drafting Eric Stokes in 2021. With Stokes set to be a free agent and Jaire Alexander most likely walking away as well, cornerback might be the position that Gutekunst needs to invest the most in. While Valentine and Nixon are not the worst options at the position, Nixon will most likely be preoccupied with special teams to have a consistent role as a starter. Jahdae Barron from Texas and Benjamin Morrison from Notre Dame would both be solid options at 23rd overall.
Forgo – Running Backs
This is an easy position to avoid for Gutekunst, considering Josh Jacobs eclipsed 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024. In addition, second-round draft pick Marshawn Lloyd will return from injury and showcase the skills he wasn’t able to last season. Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks were also promising in the absence of Lloyd.
Fortify – Wide Receivers
Gutekunst has made it clear that he wants to stick with his current receiving corps going into 2025 and that signing a big-name talent is not in his best interest. With free agency likely off the table for improving depth at the position, the draft is a second option for Gutekunst to explore talent. The last time the Packers drafted a wide receiver in the first round dates back to 2002. However, with Christian Watson out until midway through next season, a good first-round option that would fill his role for the time being could be 6’2” Elic Ayomanor from Stanford.
Forgo – Offensive Tackles
Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom are arguably one of the best offensive tackle duos in the league despite neither receiving a Pro Bowl nomination. Jordan Morgan is returning from injury and is a versatile player that can be put anywhere on the line. Elgton Jenkins is also in that same boat.
The last time the Packers did not use at least one pick to fortify their offensive line was in 2023. If the Packers want to draft linemen, which they inevitably will, they should stick to trying to fill the void that is Josh Myers in later rounds if he decides to head elsewhere in free agency.
Main Photo: Caitie McMekin – Imagn Images
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