The Green Bay Packers used two of their first three picks in the 2025 NFL Draft to select wide receivers. So, how do the new players fit in the Green Bay offense and how did the 2025 NFL Draft class change the Packers at wide receiver? We take a look at the impact it will have on the receiver room.
How Did the 2025 NFL Draft Change the Packers at Wide Receiver: The Draftees
The Packers were surprised when Matthew Golden was still available when they were ready to select at 23. GM Brian Gutekunst saw Golden was the best player on the board and he also filled an obvious need.
The two things that jump out about Golden that make him a potential impact player for the Packers this year and beyond. First, he has outstanding speed. He ran a 4.29 40-yard dash at the combine, which means he can stretch the field.
Second, he has very good hands. The Packers receivers struggled with drops in 2024, and it hurt the consistency of the offense. Golden can give the Packers a reliable receiver who will make key catches to keep the chains moving and the offense on the field.
In the third round, the Packers added Savion Williams out of TCU. At 6’5” and 225 pounds, Williams adds great size. He is also fast for such a big man, running a 4.48 40-yard dash.
Williams is an offensive weapon who can be used in a variety of ways. Many compare his role to Deebo Samuel of the 49ers. He can line up as a wide receiver, a running back and even took snaps as a quarterback in the wildcat.
The two draft picks give the team two new weapons in the receiver room with different skill sets.
The Returning Players Are On Notice
The Packers usually keep six wide receivers on the active roster. Assuming the two draftees make the roster, that leaves four spots left for the returning players.
We know that Christian Watson will start the season on injured reserve as he recovers from knee surgery. He will miss at least half the season.
Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks are the returning players expected to see the most playing time next season. Unfortunately, all had issues with consistency or dropped passes at various times last season.
These players are now on notice that they will have to play well to earn playing time with the two new draftees expected to see the field. Watson will also likely be back in action once he returns from injury.
There may be only one spot left on the 53-man roster for the remaining receivers. That includes Bo Melton and Malik Heath, who filled depth roles over the last two seasons, and free agent addition Mecole Hardman.
The Packers also have Julian Hicks, Cornelius Johnson, Tulu Griffin, and Julian Fleming presently on their 91-man roster.
How Did the 2025 NFL Draft Change the Packers at Wide Receiver: Long Term
The addition of Golden and Williams in this year’s draft will also change the outlook for the receiver room beyond the 2025 campaign.
Both Watson and Doubs are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents after the coming season. Reed and Wicks will be eligible for unrestricted free agency after the 2026 season. Clearly, these players will need to step up and perform well enough to prove they are worthy of a second contract with the Packers. If the drops continue or they don’t play well enough to establish a steady role on the team, they will not remain Packers.
The pressure will be on for these receivers to earn a roster spot, carve out a role in the offense and to play well enough to earn a second contract.
The two new additions will clearly impact the wide receiver room this season and beyond. Hopefully, the Packers have also found their go-to receiver in this year’s draft. Afterall, when you use a first-round pick on a wideout for the first time in 23 years, you expect results.
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