The 2025 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and this will be an important time for the Green Bay Packers. The Packers are hosting the draft for the first time ever. They are also trying to build on last year’s 11-6 record and to make the playoffs for the third consecutive season. To take the next step the Packers will need a strong draft. How will GM Brian Gutekunst handle this year’s draft? Here are five things to expect from the Packers at the 2025 NFL Draft:
Five Things to Expect from the Packers in the 2025 NFL Draft, Number Five: A QB Will be Drafted on Day Three
The Packers are set with Jordan Love as their starting quarterback. Malik Willis played well as the backup last season, leading the team to three wins. But Willis will be entering the final year of his contract this season and the team needs to look for another backup candidate.
Gutekunst indicated last year that he wanted to return to the team’s habit under Ron Wolf of taking a flier on a quarterback in the late rounds of most drafts. These became developmental quarterbacks who were often traded for more draft capital after serving as the team’s backup for a few seasons.
In the past, players like Mark Brunell, Matt Hasselbeck, and Aaron Brooks went on to become starters elsewhere while the Pack added valuable draft picks. That eventually helped the team maintain a consistent winning tradition.
Look for Gutekunst to select a quarterback on the third day of the draft. Even if the player spends this season on the practice squad, it’s a move Gutekunst wants to make.
Number Four: The Packers Will Draft At least Two Offensive Linemen
The Packers have six offensive linemen battling for five starting spots, but offensive line remains a long-term need. Rasheed Walker and Jordan Morgan will battle for the left tackle spot. If Morgan isn’t the left tackle, he will compete with Sean Rhyan at right guard.
Meanwhile, Walker, Rhyan, and Zach Tom are all unrestricted free agents after this season, so players will be needed to replace them if they aren’t re-signed.
There is a lack of proven depth behind the top six. Offensive line is considered a premium position, and the Packers will add a few, with at least one coming on day three of the draft.
Five Things to Expect from the Packers in the 2025 NFL Draft, Number Three: The Packers Will Draft a Wide Receiver Early in the Draft
Wide receiver remains a need for the team. We know Christian Watson will miss at least the first half of the season due to his rehab from knee surgery. He has been the closest thing to a number one receiver the Packers had on their roster last season.
Gutekunst did not trade for a wideout or sign a go-to receiver in free agency. The Packers haven’t drafted a receiver in the first round since Javon Walker in 2002. This is not a deep receiver class, but the Packers will add a wideout in the first three rounds of the draft this season in an attempt to add a number one receiver.
Both Watson and Romeo Doubs are entering the last year of their entry-level contracts so there is a long-term need here.
Number Two: The Packers Draft At least Two Defensive Linemen
The Packers have two substantial needs along the defensive line. First, they need more consistent pass rush from their front four. That was something that defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has wanted but didn’t get enough of last season.
Next, they need a run stuffing defensive tackle to replace the departed T.J. Slaton. The Packers also don’t know if Devonte Wyatt will be back after this season. Next season will be the final year of his contract. Kenny Clark has a cap hit of more than $30 million in 2026 so he will likely have to renegotiate his deal to stay beyond this season.
The team has a need here and Gutekunst likes to address positions of need with multiple picks. Look for the team to select at least two defensive linemen this season.
Five Things to Expect from the Packers in the 2025 NFL Draft, Number One: Gutekunst Makes a Trade To Add More Picks
The Packers have only eight picks in this year’s draft after entering last year’s draft with 11. Gutekunst has been active in most drafts and may look to add a few more picks this year to add more players.
Gutekunst likes to make trades in the draft. He’s traded up and back, on occasion doing both in the same year. We also don’t know whether Gute will look to trade Jaire Alexander. That could happen either before or during the draft. The result could be the addition of another pick or player if a trade can be pulled off.
Look for the Packers to be active and making at least one trade at this year’s draft.
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