The 2025 NFL Draft, held in their very own Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, was a significant event for the Packers as they continued to build upon the foundation of their young and promising team. General Manager Brian Gutekunst entered the draft with eight selections, providing opportunities to address key needs and add depth to the roster. This article will delve into the Packers’ 2025 draft class, the team’s needs heading into the draft, and what fans and analysts were discussing online.
Packers’ Draft Picks 2025: A Comprehensive Overview
The Green Bay Packers made the following selections in the 2025 NFL Draft:
Round 1, Pick 23: Matthew Golden, Wide Receiver, Texas
Ending a 23-year drought of drafting a wide receiver in the first round, the Packers selected the explosive Matthew Golden from the University of Texas. Golden, a Houston native, transferred to Texas for his final collegiate season, where he led the team with 987 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. His impressive speed, reportedly clocking a 4.29-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, brings a much-needed vertical threat to the Packers’ receiving corps. While some scouts noted his game film might not always reflect that elite speed, his athleticism, smooth release off the line, and ability to create separation offer significant upside. Golden also has experience as a kick returner, which could provide value on special teams, especially with the NFL’s tweaked kickoff rules for 2025.
Round 2, Pick 54: Anthony Belton, Offensive Tackle, North Carolina State
In the second round, the Packers bolstered their offensive line by selecting the massive Anthony Belton from North Carolina State. At 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds, Belton is one of the largest offensive linemen drafted by the Packers in recent memory. A two-year starter at left tackle for the Wolfpack, Belton earned Third-Team All-ACC honors in 2023 after recording an impressive 51 pancake blocks, followed by another 35 in his final season. While primarily a tackle, his size and strength could allow for versatility along the offensive line, potentially seeing time at guard in the pros.
Round 3, Pick 87: Savion Williams, Wide Receiver, TCU
Continuing to address the wide receiver position, the Packers selected Savion Williams from TCU in the third round. Williams, a former quarterback who transitioned to receiver, brings a unique skillset and a strong desire to play for the Packers, having grown up watching Aaron Rodgers. At 6-foot-4 and 222 pounds, Williams offers a larger target with good athleticism. While his statistics at TCU might not jump off the page, his potential and the Packers’ need for depth at the position made him an intriguing pick.
Round 4, Pick 124: Barryn Sorrell, Defensive Lineman, Texas
The Packers added to their defensive line in the fourth round with the selection of Barryn Sorrell from the University of Texas. A three-year starter for the Longhorns, Sorrell accumulated 15.5 sacks from 2022 to 2024, showcasing his ability to get after the quarterback. At 6-foot-3 and 256 pounds, Sorrell provides pass-rushing potential and adds depth to the Packers’ defensive front.
Round 5, Pick 159: Collin Oliver, Defensive Lineman, Oklahoma State
Continuing to invest in the defensive line, the Packers selected Collin Oliver from Oklahoma State in the fifth round. Oliver had a standout freshman season, leading the Big 12 with 15.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks, earning him unanimous Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors. While his 2024 season was hampered by injury, his impressive freshman campaign highlights his potential as a disruptive edge rusher.
Round 6, Pick 198: Warren Brinson, Defensive Lineman, Georgia
In the sixth round, the Packers added another defensive lineman in Warren Brinson from the University of Georgia. At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, Brinson offers size and strength to the interior of the defensive line. He recorded four sacks and nine tackles for loss in his final two seasons at Georgia, providing rotational potential and depth.
Round 7, Pick 237 (from Pittsburgh Steelers): Micah Robinson, Cornerback, Tulane
With their first of two seventh-round picks, acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Packers selected cornerback Micah Robinson from Tulane. Robinson, a graduate transfer who played his final season at Tulane after four years at Furman, demonstrated his ability to compete against tougher competition. Known as a “ballhawk,” Robinson adds depth to the cornerback room.
Round 7, Pick 250 (Compensatory Selection): John Williams, Offensive Lineman, Cincinnati
Rounding out their draft class, the Packers selected offensive lineman John Williams from the University of Cincinnati with a compensatory seventh-round pick. A two-year starter at left tackle for the Bearcats, the 6-foot-4, 322-pound Williams could potentially transition to guard in the NFL, providing further depth and versatility to the offensive line.
Team Needs Heading into the 2025 Draft
Going into the 2025 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers had several key needs to address to continue their development into a Super Bowl contender. These needs were widely discussed by analysts and fans alike:
Wide Receiver: Despite the emergence of young talents like Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs, the Packers lacked a true burner and a high-pedigree receiver. The departure of Davante Adams in 2022 left a void, and adding a player with top-end speed and the potential to be a No. 1 target was crucial.
Defensive Line (Edge Rusher & Defensive Tackle): While Lukas Van Ness was expected to take a leap in his third season, the Packers needed to improve their consistent pass rush from the edge. Additionally, the loss of T.J. Slaton in free agency created a need for depth and potential starters at defensive tackle, particularly at the nose tackle position.
Cornerback: The uncertainty surrounding the future of Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander created a significant need in the secondary. While Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine provided solid play, adding talent and depth at cornerback was essential for the long-term health of the defense.
Offensive Line: Even after drafting Jordan Morgan in the first round of the 2024 draft, the Packers faced potential future losses on the offensive line with several key players entering contract years. Adding depth and potential future starters along the offensive front remained a priority.
Other potential needs discussed included linebacker and running back for depth and future considerations.
Post-Draft Analysis and Looking Ahead
The Green Bay Packers’ 2025 draft class appears to have addressed several key needs. The selection of Matthew Golden in the first round provides the explosive playmaker the offense has been seeking. Adding two more receivers in Belton (who could also play guard) and the athletic Savion Williams further strengthens the receiving corps. The Packers also invested heavily in the defensive line, bringing in three players with pass-rushing potential and interior presence. The late-round additions of a cornerback and another offensive lineman provide valuable depth and potential for development.
FAQs
Who did the Packers select in the 2025 NFL Draft?
The Packers made eight selections in the 2025 NFL Draft:
Round 1, Pick 23: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Round 2, Pick 54: Anthony Belton, OT, NC State
Round 3, Pick 87: Savion Williams, WR, TCU
Round 4, Pick 124: Barryn Sorrell, EDGE, Texas
Round 5, Pick 155: Collin Oliver, LB, Oklahoma State
Round 6, Pick 187: Warren Brinson, DT, Georgia
Round 7, Pick 218: Micah Robinson, CB, Tulane
Round 7, Pick 239: John Williams, OT, Cincinnati
Why did the Packers draft Matthew Golden in the first round?
Matthew Golden was selected for his exceptional speed and playmaking ability. He ran a 4.29-second 40-yard dash and was the first wide receiver the Packers picked in the first round since 2002. Golden is expected to be a deep threat and complement quarterback Jordan Love’s skill set.
What positions did the Packers focus on in the 2025 Draft?
The Packers emphasized offensive skill positions and the trenches:
Wide Receiver: Matthew Golden and Savion Williams
Offensive Line: Anthony Belton and John Williams
Defensive Front Seven: Barryn Sorrell (EDGE), Collin Oliver (LB), and Warren Brinson (DT)
Secondary: Micah Robinson (CB)
How did analysts grade the Packers’ 2025 Draft class?
Analyst opinions varied:
Positive Grades: Some praised the selection of Matthew Golden for adding a dynamic element to the offense.
Mixed Reviews: Others questioned the picks of Anthony Belton and Savion Williams, citing concerns about their immediate impact.
Did the Packers make any trades during the 2025 Draft?
No, the Packers did not make any trades during the 2025 NFL Draft. This was the first time since 2014 that they stood pat with their original picks.
How does the 2025 Draft class compare to the 2024 class?
The 2024 class had mixed results:
Standouts: Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper emerged as a key defensive player.
Injuries: First-round pick Jordan Morgan and running back MarShawn Lloyd had limited impact due to injuries.
What are the expectations for the 2025 rookies?
The Packers anticipate that:
Matthew Golden will become a starting wide receiver and deep threat.
Anthony Belton will compete for a starting tackle position.
Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver will add depth to the defensive front.
To conclude
The Green Bay Packers’ 2025 NFL Draft strategy reflected a commitment to bolstering both the offensive and defensive units. By selecting Matthew Golden, they aimed to inject speed and playmaking ability into their receiving corps, addressing a long-standing need for a dynamic wide receiver. The addition of Anthony Belton and John Williams signaled an investment in protecting quarterback Jordan Love and enhancing the offensive line’s depth.
Defensively, the selections of Barryn Sorrell, Collin Oliver, and Warren Brinson showcased an intent to strengthen the front seven, aiming to improve pass rush and run defense. The choice of Micah Robinson added depth to the secondary, a crucial aspect in today’s pass-heavy NFL.
Analyst reactions were mixed, with some praising the bold moves and others expressing caution about the immediate impact of certain picks. However, the overall strategy indicated a balanced approach to team building, focusing on both immediate needs and future development.
As the 2025 season approaches, the performance of this draft class will be pivotal in determining the Packers’ success. If the rookies can adapt quickly and contribute meaningfully, the team could see significant improvements on both sides of the ball. Conversely, if the selections fail to meet expectations, it may prompt a reevaluation of the team’s drafting philosophy.
In conclusion, the 2025 Draft class represents a calculated effort by the Packers to address key areas and build a competitive roster. The true measure of this draft’s success will unfold over the coming seasons, as these young players develop and integrate into the team’s system.
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