Final Predictions for the Packers’ 8 Picks in the 2025 NFL Draft
The Packers double up at three positions in this final prediction for their eight picks.
By markoldacres
After successfully predicting the Packers’ first three picks in last year’s draft, and four overall, the final predictions article is back for 2025.
The Packers only enter the draft with eight picks this year as opposed to last year’s eleven. While this could change during draft weekend, here are eight predictions for Green Bay’s current slated picks:
Maxwell Hairston - Cornerback - Kentucky
Having only taken two corners since 2022, both in round seven, and with few long-term building blocks on the depth chart, Green Bay is going to draft one early this year.
Hairston is the only corner who makes sense for the Packers in the first three rounds who hits their key draft principles of being a truly elite athlete who is young, and importantly at cornerback, has ball production on his resume.
He should fit perfectly in Jeff Hafley’s scheme and gives effort in the run game, despite mixed results. Hairston is lighter than the Packers usually draft at corner at 183 lbs, but he has indicated he now weighs in the 190s, which would remove that issue.
There could be some potential character questions to clear, which will be vital, but if the Packers are comfortable with Hairston, he is probably the corner for them in this draft.
T.J. Sanders - Defensive tackle - South Carolina
In a deep defensive line class, the Packers could wait until the second round and still get a quality prospect in Sanders, who is a high-end athlete, versatile and had pass russ production in college.
Sanders visited with the Packers during the pre-draft process, and ticks the most boxes in a potential early-round defensive lineman in this class. He is the leader in the clubhouse to be the one they end up drafting.
Elic Ayomanor - Wide receiver - Stanford
Simply put, Ayomanor has all the assets the Packers cares about at receiver; size, speed, explosiveness, attitude as a blocker, as well as the natural feet, ability to separate and adjust to the ball.
The main knock on him is drops, which is something Green Bay does not put much stock in. He is the most Packersy receiver in this class, and they are likely to take one in the first two days.
Ayomanor has slipped down the consensus big board throughout the process, ranked 70th overall at the time of writing, which could still mean the Packers have to trade up from 87 to get him, but he just feels like their guy in this draft.
Caleb Rogers - Offensive line - Texas Tech
Having to throw Travis Glover and Kadeem Telfort into the lineup during the playoffs highlighted the Packers’ need to replenish the depth in their offensive line room.
Rogers has prototypical Packers size and athleticism for an offensive lineman, and has over 4,300 career snaps combined at left tackle, left guard, right guard and right tackle. He is exactly the kind of athletic, experienced, versatile piece they traditionally target along the offensive line.
Barryn Sorrell - EDGE - Texas
I do not expect the Packers to target a pass rusher early due to the significant investments they have already made at the position, but they will add competition at some point, and Sorrell is one of the more underrated players in this draft.
He is a strong athlete who has accumulated 121 pressures and 19 sacks in the last three seasons at a strong college program. Getting him on day three would be a steal and keep the EDGE position refreshed, with Kingsley Enagbare in the last year of his rookie deal.
Jason Marshall Jr. - Cornerback - Florida
Even if they draft a corner early, the Packers are expected to part ways with Jaire Alexander at some point before the 2025 season, leaving them in need of more depth at the position.
Only Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine are projected to make the opening day roster from the five who were on the initial 53 last year. Add Hobbs and Hairston to that and it is still a thin group.
Marshall Jr. is another strong athlete who was a solid performer for the Gators, allowing less than 48% of targets his way to be completed during his college career. He also took a pre-draft visit to Green Bay.
Keandre Lambert-Smith - Wide receiver - Auburn
Like cornerback, there is still room for another addition at receiver even if they attack it early in the draft.
With Christian Watson expected to miss a good chunk of the season, the Packers are set to enter the season with Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton, Malik Heath, and Mecole Hardman on the initial roster.
The last three should not be assured of their place on the initial 53, so adding a second receiver late in the draft is certainly on the table. Lambert-Smith is a similar profile of athlete to Samori Toure, but more athletic, and had a productive season at Auburn.
Dalton Cooper - Offensive line - Oklahoma State
Green Bay is also likely to double up along the offensive line, and there are plenty of options on late day three who are their ‘type’, including multiple players they used ‘30’ visits on.
Cooper is the pick here, a plus athlete who has almost 3,700 career snaps at left tackle and visited with the Packers pre-draft. He has the feet you can’t teach and needs work on his technique, specifically his hand usage, which is something Green Bay will feel they can fix.
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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres
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Comments (92)
T7Steve
April 21, 2025 at 06:39 am
Looks like a good list. As good as any I've seen. See if you can better your record, Mark. I should probably disagree with you to give you a better chance because I can never get Gutes picks right. Even by position.
Hairston sounds good if the Packers will overlook his size. Wonder what his off-field issues are? Might be too many red flags here.
Guam
April 21, 2025 at 07:55 am
I think Hairston at #23 is a function of what the Packers intend to do with Alexander. If they intend to keep Alexander (or simply can't find a trade partner that will give the desired value) then Hairston quickly becomes an unlikely pick as he will see little playing time with four veteran CBs ahead of him. If Alexander is traded, then a fourth quality CB becomes necessary and Hairston is possible at #23.
dobber
April 21, 2025 at 08:01 am
At this late stage, I think Alexander's fate with the Packers will be decided by the draft rather than the other way around.
Reports are that there's been some warming between the two sides.
"Hairston quickly becomes an unlikely pick as he will see little playing time with four veteran CBs ahead of him."
There's some grooming of spots for the future that could happen here. I've said before that I don't foresee Nixon or Alexander with the Packers is 2026, and the reason on Nixon is that I think he's got a high opinion of himself and the money the Packers gave Hobbs (relative to what Nixon is getting) might be a problem. So the question becomes do you take those next CBs on day 2 or on day 3? What do they really think about the depth pieces on the roster?
Guam
April 21, 2025 at 08:18 am
I think the Packers would have already traded Alexander if they could have gotten the value they wanted for him but that obviously hasn't happened. So they keep and play him for one more season and hope he stays healthy enough to help the team.
I wouldn't be at all surprised if the Packers take a CB in this draft, I just find a CB at #23 really unlikely when keeping Alexander is looking more likely by the week. Gute has preached urgency going into this year and drafting a #1 pick to sit on the bench in 2025 doesn't match up with the philosophy. Drafting a development CB for 2026 (day two or early day three pick) I agree with for the reasons you cited, but I don't think that is Hairston at #23.
Coldworld
April 21, 2025 at 10:33 am
I get the sense that this was more about both sides taking stock and grasping reality. Unfortunately talking heads blew it up into much more without ever offering any substance.
Bitternotsour
April 21, 2025 at 11:32 am
There is no substance, no one has a source in the front office. When someone says I hear rumors - they're making shit up. There should be some smoke regarding Alexander, he's been injured, and he makes a lot of money. It's an easy spot to make things up and pass them off as informed. Nothing is informed. Any leaks regarding the team are offered only as negotiation chips by either agents, or by the team.
Guessing what's going to happen is perhaps entertaining for some, but evaluating what actually happened is much more satisfying in regards to understanding the team.
Guam
April 21, 2025 at 04:20 pm
There has been some actual substance to the rumors about Alexander. Gute made public comments back in February and March that indicated there was some separation between Alexander and the Packers and his future with the Packers was unclear. Even as recently as two days ago Gute made a comment to the effect that "Alexander was still on the roster and the Packers would see what the draft brings". Not exactly a strong endorsement of the Packers relationship with Alexander.
I think CW got it pretty right when he said that both sides have had time to come to the realization they may be better together than apart. If someone made a great offer for Alexander the Packers might well take it, but after a several months that has not happened and seems unlikely to happen. I will not be surprised if Alexander plays for the Packers in 2025, but he will need a strong season to continue beyond 2025 with the team as a 2026 cut would make financial sense for the Packers.
Bitternotsour
April 21, 2025 at 04:54 pm
That was negotiation, not substance. But again, it's vapor unless it happens. Speculation and $5 gets you a latte at Starbucks.
Guam
April 21, 2025 at 10:46 pm
If it was actual negotiation, isn't that substance?
Bitternotsour
April 21, 2025 at 11:55 pm
well, not when it's taking place in the media it isn't. I get your point, but I'm not biting - what's been happening is background noise and not substance.
Guam
April 22, 2025 at 07:53 am
I guess I view activity in the media differently. Given the secrecy that usually surrounds team - player relationships, if negative things are leaking into the media then there is likely more going on behind the scenes. Tip of the iceberg philosophy about the media.
troyf04
April 21, 2025 at 07:58 pm
he was accused of rape when he was a minor at Kentucky so the file is sealed and not as much is known
NickPerry
April 21, 2025 at 06:44 am
"Ayomanor has all the assets the Packers cares about at receiver; size, speed, explosiveness, attitude as a blocker, as well as the natural feet, ability to separate and adjust to the ball. The main knock on him is drops, which is something Green Bay does not put much stock in."
Hmmm...Perhaps it's something the Packers SHOULD put "Stock In". You know who DOESN'T drop the ball? Jaylin Higgins. Trade UP to get him in the 2nd. We have more than enough of those guys who drop the damn ball!
For the last few months I've heard or read many times the Packers ONLY have 8 draft picks. Everyone is suggesting Gute will look to trade back and accumulate more picks. I get the whole more picks, more swings at the plate type reasoning, but the Packers have been the youngest team in the NFL for the last 2 seasons. They don't need more late round rookies. They need some Football Players. If it costs you a pick or two to move up to get a quality player then DO IT!
Guam
April 21, 2025 at 08:03 am
Agreed NP. Not sure it is easy to fix bad hands and the Packers have enough of those problems already. Draft WRs who catch the ball.............seems kind of a minimum requirement or threshold for the position.
MTmind
April 24, 2025 at 10:04 am
I was one of the fans who was screaming for Davante Adams to be benched early in his career. Ever since then, my approach has been, “what do I know?”. All I’m saying is that, apparently, it is fixable.
Coldworld
April 21, 2025 at 10:53 am
I agree totally, but then add the fact that Ayomanor is not a big receiver, has a low bench and also has a poor 10 yards. While that may mean his top end is higher than the 4.44, the lack of strength or burst together raises real questions about his ability to win at the line while he lacks the size advantage deep and the strength to win contested balls and negates his vertical. A bad fit for the role cited.
It’s one thing to do it at Stanford but the NFL backs are a different proposition. He probably does best in a play action heavy O that can get him in motion with separation. Is that us?
stockholder
April 21, 2025 at 06:46 am
The crumbling of the Green Bay Packers.
Typical Gute picks.
1. Is he a weapon - No
2. How close is he? - No threat.
3. SF will take him first- 2nd rd.
4. Can he play Center-?
5. edge- The bottom line is to late.
6.7. 8.- Do you expect them to play any roll?
You did great last year, but we need to be serious.
Coldworld
April 21, 2025 at 07:53 am
Agreed. I would be pretty unhappy with these choices in terms of player fit and mix of positions. Misses the best and misses the needs ends up with mostly depth voices. Not braver, not for now, not good.
Cheezehead72
April 21, 2025 at 06:48 am
I will be very happy with the draft if the Packers draft the best DT or CB Jahdae Barron. I disagree with Mark I believe Maxwell Hairston is not a 1st round CB.
I do find Caleb Rogers an interesting prospect as he is a swing tackle and that is what the Packers need.
TKWorldWide
April 21, 2025 at 06:49 am
PUH-LEASE not a receiver that DROPS the ball!
I know, I know , every single HOF receiver battled a case of the drops in his career….
dobber
April 21, 2025 at 07:41 am
What do you call a receiver who drops the ball?
A CB.
Guam
April 21, 2025 at 08:05 am
LOL. You sound like my old high school coach Dobber.
GregC
April 21, 2025 at 07:03 am
Yeah, let's keep loading up on drop-prone WRs. Can't have too many of those! (Maybe that's part of what makes him "Packersy.")
And I am so NOT on board with drafting a CB in the first round, but I've harped on that enough already.
T.J. Sanders in the second round looks like a solid pick, though.
TKWorldWide
April 21, 2025 at 07:09 am
I can’t help when I’m happy I look insane, but, I prefer receivers that can catch, d-backs that can cover, linebackers that can tackle, o-linemen that can block…
T7Steve
April 21, 2025 at 07:18 am
Are those traits in the Packers parameters? Don't you want a good 3-cone?
dobber
April 21, 2025 at 07:42 am
"Don't you want a good 3-cone?"
Like strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate?
mnbadger
April 21, 2025 at 08:44 am
Be careful when you share those radical thoughts, TKW.
We need high RAS athletes on our roster, not good football players.
How else can we maintain our historically excellent special teams performances?
GPG!
RCPackerFan
April 21, 2025 at 07:23 am
My gut is telling me GB trades down out of the 23rd pick. Unless someone that was projected to go higher, falls. I think they look to trade down so they can add another 1-2 more picks. If you have a chance to check out Basaraski Productions on youtube he does a break down of trade possibilities.
If they traded down with Baltimore (that is the almost perfect spot to trade down to) they would gain a 4th and 5th round pick, possibly more. If they made that move, I could then see them using 1 of those 2 picks they gained to trade back up in the 2nd round. They could move up roughly 7 spots with just the 4th round pick they got back. It would not surprise me to see them move around a bit in this draft.
Overall i think we finish with 10 picks in this draft.
dobber
April 21, 2025 at 07:44 am
I think they may undersell 23 some just to get the picks we've been hearing about. I think it's unlikely that they give away any day-2 picks to move up. There's enough breadth of similar talent in this draft outside the top 25 or so that staying put on day 2 is a good plan.
RCPackerFan
April 21, 2025 at 07:56 am
Yeah I agree. I have a hard time seeing them moving up this year. Unless there was a player they coveted and he started to fall.
But they only have 8 picks as of right now in the draft. In the 7 drafts with Gutey running them, he has drafted 8 players or fewer in just 1 of those drafts. He drafted 9 players in 2 drafts and 11 or more in 4 drafts.
I think they stay put or trade down. But right now I think they trade down to gain more picks.
dobber
April 21, 2025 at 07:59 am
I think if one of the better OT slides to 23, it might generate some suitors. I'm hearing KC is actively making connections to move up.
RCPackerFan
April 21, 2025 at 08:09 am
I could definitely see that.
While I don't think GB would go OT, I am kind of intrigued/curious to see if GB would make the move if Josh Simmons was there.
With Walker entering his final year they could look at Simmons as the future LT. He could step in next year for Walker and be the LT of the future. And Morgan then could be in a battle with Rhyan at RG. If Morgan won the job and Rhyan also entering his final year under contract, that would allow GB to escape 2 bigger contracts on the OL. It wouldn't surprise me if they were to make a move like that.
dobber
April 21, 2025 at 08:25 am
"While I don't think GB would go OT, I am kind of intrigued/curious to see if GB would make the move if Josh Simmons was there."
I've seen several of the "professional mock drafters" out there that have pushed Simmons or Kelvin Banks to the Packers in round 1. I'm of the mind that it's never a bad thing to add to your OL, and I think a high-end OL in round 1 or 2 really impacts how you manage your OL pieces this coming off-season...and might impact draft-day trades. They're going to need to address those spots in the next 12 months one way or the other.
RCPackerFan
April 21, 2025 at 08:42 am
I have seen that as well. I think it will tell us more of what they think about Walker and Morgan if they drafted one.
If they feel Morgan could be the LT of the future, I think they would trade down to a team like KC or someone looking for an OL. I could see teams trying to move ahead of Minnesota, because more then likely Minnesota will be looking to trade back and could have multiple suitors. Also I think teams will be looking to trade ahead of Texans, because I could see Texans looking to get an OT.
Coldworld
April 21, 2025 at 11:00 am
If we don’t need a T now, then there are some mid to late prospects with significant upside that we might prefer to pursue rather than forgone a more urgent need for depth and competition now. I don’t ever rule out an OT early, but this year I see us trading back if one is the obvious pick. Big men with mobility are rare but this draft has plenty on the defensive side where we have plenty of need.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 22, 2025 at 04:10 am
I hate the idea of Jordan Morgan at RG.. He's not a G, and he doesn't play the right side.
mnbadger
April 21, 2025 at 08:47 am
I really don’t care how many picks we have.
Let's add as many good football players to the roster.
GPG!
RCPackerFan
April 21, 2025 at 10:42 am
And that is the reason for having additional picks in the top 5 rounds. You can find good players that can play right away in the top 5 rounds.
If they can trade back 4 spots with Baltimore and gain an extra 4th and 5th round pick, I think that is a huge win.
Would you rather have 5 picks in 5 rounds or 7 picks in 5 rounds? 7 is definitely better. And nothing else it gives you some ammo to move back up in any of the rounds to get a player they covet. Kind of like last year when they traded up to get Evan Williams in the 4th.
LeotisHarris
April 21, 2025 at 08:42 am
So glad to finally be on the cusp of the precipice of the aforementioned NFL Draft. Let's draft a plethora of healthy, talented football players, please.
Are any of you knuckleheads attending in person? I thought I might drive over to witness the festivities, but what I thought was a hamstring issue has been reclassified as a mucked up lumbar spine. Don't get old, kids.
mnbadger
April 21, 2025 at 08:48 am
Too late for me.
I'll be there Friday, staying in Wausau.
Safe travels to all that can make the trip.
GPG
Guam
April 21, 2025 at 10:41 am
Anybody know if CHTV is meeting somewhere/when during the draft?
SicSemperTyrannis
April 22, 2025 at 04:16 am
Andy Herman said something is happening every night this week. I remember something about Wednesday night, a Q&A at a park.
LeotisHarris
April 21, 2025 at 01:57 pm
Have a great time, badger!
Cheezehead72
April 21, 2025 at 08:59 am
I have decided that I am not getting old.
Bitternotsour
April 21, 2025 at 10:06 am
In my own existence I lean back heavily on what Mickey Mantle said "if I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself" - The seventies and early eighties were not kind to BitternotSour, or rather, youth was wasted on the young...
LeotisHarris
April 21, 2025 at 02:04 pm
While mistakes were made in my younger days, this is more genetics than the result of hard living. Still, a lot of truth in Mantle's quote.
Alberta_Packer
April 21, 2025 at 01:22 pm
So bad back LH. Bummer. Although I was once told that it was better to have a bad back than a bad front.
LeotisHarris
April 21, 2025 at 02:01 pm
I appreciate that, AP.
SDPack
April 21, 2025 at 09:16 am
My pick is in!
Every year the pundits and superfans say who Gutey will draft and every year it ends up being a guy none of them predicted. Congratulations to those who predicted Love, Stokes, Wyatt, Walker, and Morgan! Not. So I will pick the next guy none of them would have picked that could actually be the pick!
Hear me out. Offensive line. I believe the Packers are transforming their offense this year to be a running game powerhouse featuring Jacobs and Lloyd. To that end, I believe they will not prioritize WR and instead count on the 2 tight end 12 formation which also utilizes Musgrave as a field stretcher in the passing game or extra blocker for the run game. Power football in 2025!
The previous O line moves this year clue us in to Gutey’s strategy. Jenkins move to center is a big upgrade. Aaron Banks is a big mauler at guard. Tom is all pro caliber and will likely be extended. But there are still two weak links.
Rhyan and Walker are average starters in the final years of their contracts. Even if they are serviceable, they will need to be replaced. Morgan is a hi-po 2nd year player. So what happens to him? That is really the big question of this roster. Let’s assume Morgan will challenge Walker to start at LT. Who challenges Rhyan? No other IOL on the roster has a high ceiling. So we have two average starting O-Linemen this year who likely won’t be back in 2026 anyway. What to do?
So the pick!!! With the 23rd pick in the 1st round, the Packers select massive Alabama guard Tyler Booker. An immediate starter. Our line will be Morgan, Booker, Jenkins, Banks, and Tom. Beastly! Walker will be the swing tackle. Rhyan will be the swing guard/center. Great depth.
Tyler Booker. You heard it here first. Unpopular by all! Fans will hate it. But a great move! Dominant O line in 2025. My alternate pick would be Ohio State OT Josh Simmons. In that case, Morgan replaces Rhyan at guard and Simmons becomes our new LT.
Alberta_Packer
April 21, 2025 at 10:03 am
If the Packers go O-line at 23 - which may be plausible - I think that they are more likely to select Kelvin Banks Jr. - who is more athletic and versatile than Booker. A fact - Booker scored an unofficial 3.93 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 968 out of 1592 OG from 1987 to 2025.
SDPack
April 21, 2025 at 10:26 am
That is a fair comment AP. Gutey hesitates on low RAS guys, but if you look into the score, it was mostly speed. As long as he can effectively pull, speed would not impact guard as much as other positions. It’s basically a job akin to a knife fight in a phone booth. Booker gets glowing reviews for how well he plays the position.
“few players have the footwork/framing, upper-body strength/hip-torque, patience/timing, and heavy hands that Booker possesses. There is so much to appreciate about Booker’s potential and his skill set. He should be a starter from day one. “
Having said that, I agree with you on Kelvin Banks but I suspect he will not be there at 23.
GregC
April 21, 2025 at 10:52 am
Well, you are right about it being unpopular anyway.
SDPack
April 21, 2025 at 09:02 pm
You might not like the picks, but the logic is sound. Let me guess Greg. You want the Packers to draft a WR in the first round.
GregC
April 21, 2025 at 09:34 pm
DT or WR. There will probably be more options at DT.
SDPack
April 21, 2025 at 09:43 pm
Nice job picking their 2nd and 3rd round choice.
LLCHESTY
April 21, 2025 at 11:36 pm
That would certainly be the opposite of their usual high RAS 1st rounders. If they're going to draft their 1st guard since Jason Spitz I'd rather see them wait a round and get Rutledge or Milum.
SDPack
April 22, 2025 at 12:17 am
Picking the exact player Gutey will pick is nearly impossible. Morgan was never a choice of any pundits or fans last year. There were a number of other linemen cited above him. Morgan was like the 40th ranked prospect. The Pack has their own board and seem to build it independent of media pundit ratings. So who knows.
We do know that DT, Edge, and WR seem to have decent depth. We’ll get those on days 2 and 3. But I think dual goals of OL dominance this year and 2026 continuity will push that position group to the front of the line if an immediate starter is identified.
Coldworld
April 22, 2025 at 12:23 am
Morgan was quite often linked to the Packers
stockholder
April 22, 2025 at 05:38 am
So was St. Jean.
SDPack
April 22, 2025 at 01:14 pm
I never recall seeing any mock drafts that listed Morgan to the Pack in round 1 last year.
GregC
April 22, 2025 at 07:40 pm
Morgan was picked for the Packers in the mock draft in last year's Cheesehead TV draft guide.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 22, 2025 at 04:23 am
I hope you're right.
Leatherhead
April 21, 2025 at 09:51 am
A third round WR is going to replace Watson and will actually improve the offense.
Color me skeptical.
Bitternotsour
April 21, 2025 at 10:11 am
Let's just hope it's entertaining and Stockholder can move onto second-guessing every move seamlessly
My biggest hope is we draft Shedeur Sanders and bury him on the bench for several years...
stockholder
April 21, 2025 at 12:05 pm
There is No second guessing with this.
Either it’s right or wrong.
Second guessing is rarely right.
There can be No doubt, fear, or worry.
If anything -
Overthinking this too much. And too long.
Will take us from the present to a delay.
jannesbjornson
April 21, 2025 at 06:49 pm
Year Eight, no excuses. I hope the brain trust doesn't pull out that over-sized Chrome replica of the Lombardi Trophy. Just present the real artifact from 15 Years ago.
splitpea1
April 21, 2025 at 11:01 am
Great job predicting the first three in last year's draft.
Nothing personal, but I hope you're wrong with all three this year. Yuk!
Cornerback can wait until a later round. More size and bulk would be better at DT. And lastly, we need better hands and more big-play potential at WR. Ayomanor right now is more of a possession receiver who needs to expand his routes and is not known for big YAC, despite his speed. He also has had a couple of knee injuries in the past.
Wishful thinking department: I would like to see the Packers eschew "Packersy" types with their first two picks and instead get the best DT and play-making WR available--and hopefully they'll be able to make an impact early instead of being destined for the extended "draft and develop" model.
Alberta_Packer
April 21, 2025 at 11:03 am
So my quick reaction to the author's mock:
Hairston - yes he's fast - which he will need to avoid Tackles, TEs and big WRs with his slight frame.
T.J. Sanders - at this stage - primarily a pass rush specialist. I would prefer more run-stopping ability in a DT.
Elic Ayomanor - perhaps if Tory Horton isn't available.
Caleb Rogers: - appears to be a good fit. Also Dylan Fairchild.
Barryn Sorrell - comes up just a little short for me - especially his arms. If Edge - draft Sai'vion Jones a round earlier.
Jason Marshall Jr. - a prime Day 3 CB pick.
Keandre Lambert-Smith - an explosive athlete - which is good. However a relative lightweight (literally) , and, there is the little matter of dropping easy passes - which is bad. Would prefer Thornton or Teslaa in this area of the draft.
Dalton Cooper - certainly as a late Day 3 pick - with also Branson Taylor and Esa Pole in consideration.
Leatherhead
April 21, 2025 at 11:15 am
I would hope we would use this draft to load up the offense that we're going to have for the Love Window.
Love is going to turn 27 this season before the stretch run. That means the Packers have about a 4 year window to get to the Super Bowl with Love. QBs who haven't taken their team to the SuperBowl by 30 or so probably aren't going to do it (you can look it up. It's a rare event in the FA era.) Love's biggest cap hit is in 2028,when it'll be over 70M, and he'll be turning 30,but most of that would be in salary, which the Packers could avoid paying.
So......IMO, the Master Plan contrived by Gutekunst, LaFleur, and Murphy is in the balance. They squeezed the last drop of good football out of Rodgers, traded him for two 2nd round picks, drafted and developed his replacement, put a good line in front of him, a good RB behind him, a good TE, but we've had some misfortune at the WR spot.
I'd take Egkuba if he's there at #24. I'd get another WR on Day 2. I'd look for a TE, and an OL, in the 4th and 5th rounds. I would load up the offense. If Love/ LaFleur don't get us where we want to go, I don't want it to be because they didn't have what they needed. Get them the tools they need.
Alberta_Packer
April 21, 2025 at 12:25 pm
I view Egbuka as high-end WR2 - so perhaps worthy of later round one pick. Although if Tet McMillan is available at 23 - he would be my selection. However - thinking outside of the mocks - what if the Packers drafted (for example) Jack Bech at 54 - then Jaydon Blue @ 159 - and Kaden Prather @ 237? My point is that there may be atypical ways to bolster the O - if utilizing lateral thinking. I know that Jay Higgins has become the popular WR pick for many Packers fans. However - in order to draft him the Packers may very well have to either draft-down or draft-up - which means incurring an opportunity cost. What if the Packers are unwilling to do this? So what are their other draft scenarios - if any? The suspense builds.
Leatherhead
April 21, 2025 at 03:13 pm
Here is the question that I think you have to ask: How do you replace Watson's 555 snaps and 660 yards, his blocking ability, and his big play potential.?
If you put all your chips on one guy, and that guy gets hurt, then our WR unit will be weaker than it was last year, so I'd spread out the risk by getting two guys. I think you get the best guy you can, and pick up another one on Day 2.
Yes, I'd take McMillan if he's there at 23.....I don't think he will be.
The guy I like is Savion Williams. Big. Fast. Runs well with the ball. He's kind of a Deebo/Cordarelle Patterson kind of guy, who can hurt you as a runner or receiver. AND.....he's got a real good throwing arm, in case we want to get tricky on offense. He's almost always available at #87.
I think if you replace Watson with Egbuka and Williams, we have a real good chance of improving the output at that position. And they'd be around for the next four years of the Love Window.
nagawicka
April 21, 2025 at 01:41 pm
Hugh Fannin @~45 - 55
Jaylin Conyers @~200
No WRs til the 4th round
Bryant, Savion, Thornton, TeSlaa, Lane lots and lotsa options
BruceC1960
April 21, 2025 at 12:02 pm
Any chance Malik Willis gets dealt before the draft? Never heard what the Packers thought about the visit from the CFL QB.
Leatherhead
April 21, 2025 at 12:08 pm
IMO, we are damn fortunate to have a backup like Willis, he helped win two games last year (without which we would not have made the playoffs). Any injury to Love makes Willis the most important player on the team.
He will cost us $1.4 M this year. If he doesn't play at all, that's a good thing. If he plays a little and helps us win a game or two, he's huge bargain.
Next year....he's a FA and we'll see what kind of offers he gets. You can't blame the guy for wanting to start somewhere
Alberta_Packer
April 21, 2025 at 12:38 pm
I'm expecting that the Packers will draft and/sign a QB in this draft - with possibilies:
6th round - Kurtis Rourke
7th round - Seth Hennigan
UDFA - Taylor Elgersma
Elgersma was also a Senior Bowl participant - who showed a little. So as the Packers will require - at the very least - training camp arms. I wouldn't be surprised if Elgersma is one of them
gsd3
April 21, 2025 at 12:48 pm
I think the only way Willis gets traded is if it's part of a package for George Pickens. Don't know if Pickens would be too high strung to fit the locker room. If so, would not be surprised if Ridder becomes the next qb reclamation project.
Cheezehead72
April 21, 2025 at 01:23 pm
Oh I hope not for the same reasons Leatherhead mentioned. Not that Love is injury prone but he has been hurt and I do not want to see Clifford take the field. Willis is a cheap very good back up.
Leatherhead
April 21, 2025 at 06:49 pm
Here's a Packer trivia riddle for you: Other than Willis, who was the last Packer backup QB to win a game?? I'm thinking it might have been the gum chewer back in 2017.
GregC
April 21, 2025 at 09:40 pm
Probably true. The only game I remember a backup QB starting between Hundley and Willis was the one Jordan Love started in KC in 2021.
nagawicka
April 21, 2025 at 05:45 pm
Why these late-round picks.
It's not clear to me why Rogers, Marshall, Keondre, Sorrell or even Dalton Cooper. There are several better late-round options at each of these positions, all of whom are Packers types and have high RAS.
Maybe there's chatter but this is just hazarding a guess
GoldZone
April 21, 2025 at 06:53 pm
Mark, Nice start of the DRAFT WEEK
Here is how I see the draft going to make our PACKERS stronger.
1) Will Johnson DB Michigan
2) Alfred Collins DT Texas
3) Kyle Williams WR Washington State
4) Josiah Stewart ED Michigan
5) Anthony Belton OT S. Carolina
6) Melo Dotson DB Kansas
7) Eli Cox C Kentucky
8) Shaun Dolac LB
troyf04
April 21, 2025 at 07:57 pm
"Character concerns" for someone accused of rape is certainly one way to look at that situation
GregC
April 21, 2025 at 08:22 pm
There doesn't seem to be any proof that he was actually accused.
troyf04
April 21, 2025 at 08:33 pm
he was a minor at the time so the records are sealed
Coldworld
April 22, 2025 at 12:18 am
There is no evidence of disciplinary action that I can see. Sealing doesn’t mean the accusation had substance anyway. There is no actual evidence of anything real other than a photo of a purported document. No one I’ve seen has unearthed anything collateral to suggest action might have been taken. As such it is, at least for us as fans, complete speculation.
troyf04
April 22, 2025 at 07:27 am
There are some reporters (Justus) who actually did some work and asked NFL personnel about it and they verified the situation. If the documents are sealed then we wouldn't necessarily be able to see if disciplinary action was taken. A lack of disciplinary action does not mean it didn't happen either. IDK if he is guilty of it or not, but I think if you are giving a background on someone and talking about body weight being a red flag then certainly being accused of rape should be a red flag as well. Mike Green is another draft prospect who was accused of sexual assault in college and from what I know with that, no charges or disciplinary action happened, but every draft analyst or reporter brings that up with him.
Coldworld
April 22, 2025 at 09:49 am
Do you have a link to any of that? If nothing discerns me happened it’s not indicative of anything. It’s just hearsay of no evidentiary value whatsoever.
Bitternotsour
April 22, 2025 at 11:14 am
or even slander, put up some actual evidence or shut up.
troyf04
April 22, 2025 at 12:54 pm
He talked about it on a live Q and A last night with Andy on the Pack-A-Day podcast, and then he has also talked about it on another podcast he did with Andy and then one with Tyler Brooke. I believe he also wrote an article on Acme Packing Company where he talked about it briefly. I think it was a prospect primer? I am not saying that he did do it I am saying he was accused of doing it and that is important to at least talk about. I am sure the teams do their work, but very few reporters have noted it or highlighted it. Should they not talk about it at all if someone has allegations against them? That is a genuine question. Because you hear for other prospects who have allegations against them for things, but we do not know the evidence behind it or what actually happened yet plenty of people report on it and talk about it.
LLCHESTY
April 21, 2025 at 10:01 pm
Picks 4-6 look like a round early IMO. I like a couple NTs that probable UDFAs but not grabbing a 1T that provides more pass rush than Slaton did when there's a lot of nice options this year is a crime. That's an oddity that doesn't come around all that often.
nagawicka
April 27, 2025 at 09:08 pm
I was wondering if they'd talked to Nazir Stackhouse, about hey we'll sign you after; but I have no idea how they knew he'd go undrafted
irishgary
April 24, 2025 at 10:38 am
I was really hoping the Packers would have traded JA for a pick by now. maybe this weekend.