The 2025 NFL Draft is almost here. The Green Bay Packers have the 23rd overall pick in the first round and eight picks overall. This is the next in a series of articles looking at players the Packers may be interested in selecting in the early rounds of this year’s draft. The only players listed here are realistic possibilities for the Packers GM Brian Gutekunst to pick in the first or second round of the draft or who fill specific needs for the team right now. Today we will examine cornerbacks. Here are five cornerbacks the Packers could select in the early rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The State of the Packers Cornerbacks Entering the 2025 NFL Draft
The Packers have questions at cornerback with the biggest being the status of Jaire Alexander. When healthy, Alexander remains a Pro Bowl-caliber cover corner. However, in three of the last four seasons, he has missed significant time due to injury. The Packers will likely look to trade him at or before the draft, but for now, he remains a Packer.
Without Alexander, the starters on the perimeter are likely Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine. The slot will be either Javon Bullard or Nate Hobbs. Hobbs will also battle for time on the perimeter.
The team will need more depth as most of the depth players from last season have departed.
So here is a list of possible cornerbacks the Packers may take early in the 2025 draft. They are not listed in any particular order. These are not the best available players but are players the Packers could take if they use the 23rd pick or trade up grab them a bit sooner.
Cornerbacks the Packers Could Select in the Early Rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, Number One: Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
Maxwell Hairston has outstanding speed. He was timed at 4.28 in the 40 at the combine he can keep up with almost any receiver on the field. Hairston can cover man-to-man with his speed and twitch. He has also improved against the run which was a major liability when he started his college career.
The questions about Hairston center on his weight. He is listed at 5’11” and just 176 pounds. The Kentucky alum will have trouble against bigger, more physical receivers. His weight may be an issue for Gutekunst who has never selected a cornerback who weighs as little as Hairston does.
Hairston bypassed his final year of NCAA eligibility but already earned his degree. He missed five games last season due to a shoulder injury but appears to be fully healthy. He had five interceptions in 2023.
Most scouts view him as a second-round pick. Would Gutekunst take a chance on him?
Number Two: Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State
Most scouts also consider Azareye’h Thomas a second-round talent. His biggest drawback is a lack of elite speed. The Florida State alum ran a 4.58 40-yard dash on his pro day. That resulted in him having an RAS of 8.17, a bit lower than the Packers prefer.
Thomas possesses good size and has long arms. He does a good job in zone coverage and can be physical in press coverage. He’s a smart corner who reads plays well. Thomas plays the run enthusiastically but needs to work on his tackling a bit.
The Packers wouldn’t take Thomas in the first round because of his limited athleticism, but on day two, he could be an interesting addition.
Cornerbacks the Packers Could Select in the Early Rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, Number Three: Will Johnson, Michigan
Most scouts view Will Johnson as the top cornerback in this year’s draft class. The Michigan alum has great size at 6’2” and 203 pounds and runs a 4.45 40-yard dash.
Johnson identifies routes quickly and stays close to receivers. He has a high football IQ and should start from day one. Scouts believe he has the potential to be a shutdown corner which would make him an ideal replacement for Alexander.
Johnson’s drawbacks are minor. He rarely played in the slot in college and has only average speed for the position.
The Packers would probably have to trade up to grab Johnson as he is unlikely to be on the board at 23.
Number Four: Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
Benjamin Morrison excels in man coverage. He works hard and learned press coverage at Notre Dame and has a great work ethic. Morrison possesses a competitive attitude and reads the quarterbacks eyes well.
Morrison’s injury history will be an issue. He has had two hip surgeries and was unable to test pre-draft which will likely keep the Packers from drafting him in the first round. He’ll also need to bulk up a bit and get stronger to compete with larger NFL receivers.
If he’s still on the board in the second or third round, the Packers will consider adding him if his medicals check out.
Cornerbacks the Packers Could Select in the Early Rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, Number Five: Jahdae Barron, Texas
The Packers love versatile players, and Jahdae Barron fits the bill. He can play in the slot, at safety or perimeter corner. He reads plays well and didn’t allow a touchdown in 2024 with Texas.
Barron can be used as a blitzer and avoids blocks well when playing the run. He’s showed leadership and was designated as a captain for 10 games by the Longhorns.
Barron has only average speed and is an older prospect who will turn 24 in December. Many scouts compare him to former Packers defensive back Casey Hayward. He should be on the board at 23 when the Packers make their first-round selection as he is viewed as a late first round pick.
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