A Closer Look at the Green Bay Packers’ 2025 Draft Class
The Green Bay Packers entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear vision: continue building around their young quarterback Jordan Love while addressing key positional needs on both sides of the ball. With a total of eight selections and a number of intriguing undrafted free agent signings, the Packers executed a draft that signals a strong commitment to both immediate competition and long-term development. Let’s dive deep into the Packers’ 2025 draft strategy, pick-by-pick analysis, and the broader implications for the franchise.
Setting the Stage: Packers’ Draft Capital
Before the draft began, Green Bay held eight picks, including a compensatory pick in the seventh round. The organization had the following selections:
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Round 1, Pick 23
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Round 2, Pick 54
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Round 3, Pick 87
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Round 4, Pick 124
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Round 5, Pick 159
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Round 6, Pick 198
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Round 7, Pick 237
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Round 7, Pick 250 (Compensatory)
Given the franchise’s tradition of drafting and developing talent rather than relying heavily on free agency, these picks were critical for fortifying their young core.
Round 1, Pick 23: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The Packers finally did what fans had clamored for over a decade — selected a wide receiver in the first round.
Matthew Golden is an explosive athlete with polished route-running ability, soft hands, and the versatility to line up inside or outside. After transferring from Houston to Texas, Golden thrived in Steve Sarkisian’s offense, posting 987 yards and nine touchdowns on 58 receptions during the 2024 season.
Golden’s skillset is a perfect complement to Christian Watson’s deep speed and Jayden Reed’s shiftiness. Expect Golden to be an immediate contributor, if not a Week 1 starter. His savvy footwork, ability to separate, and knack for making contested catches should make him one of Jordan Love’s favorite targets quickly.
Why This Pick Matters:
Green Bay showed it is fully invested in giving Jordan Love every chance to succeed. Golden elevates the ceiling of this offense significantly.
Round 2, Pick 54: Anthony Belton, OL, NC State
Offensive line has long been a priority in Green Bay’s team-building philosophy, and Anthony Belton fits the mold perfectly.
At 6’6” and 330 pounds, Belton combines size with surprising agility. A full-time starter at left tackle for NC State, he earned third-team All-ACC honors and allowed just two sacks during his senior season. Belton has the flexibility to kick inside to guard if needed, giving the Packers crucial versatility along the offensive line.
With David Bakhtiari’s departure and the constant need for depth up front, Belton could start sooner rather than later, particularly if injuries arise.
Why This Pick Matters:
A strong offensive line is crucial for Love’s development and for Matt LaFleur’s run-heavy offensive philosophy. Belton offers high-floor, multi-position flexibility.
Round 3, Pick 87: Savion Williams, WR, TCU
The Packers doubled down on wide receivers by selecting Savion Williams in the third round.
Williams is a big-bodied (6’5”, 215 lbs) target with a massive catch radius, an attribute the current receiving corps lacked. He’s not the fastest receiver, but he excels in contested catch situations and can be a red-zone mismatch nightmare.
Given the physical nature of NFC North defenses, having a wideout like Williams who can box out defenders and secure tough catches will be valuable, especially in critical third-down and goal-line situations.
Why This Pick Matters:
The Packers are creating a diverse receiver group to make Love’s life easier — speed (Watson), route-running (Golden), shiftiness (Reed), and now size and physicality (Williams).
Round 4, Pick 124: Barryn Sorrell, DE, Texas
Addressing the defensive side, Green Bay picked edge rusher Barryn Sorrell, a relentless worker who stood out late in the 2024 college season.
Sorrell’s motor never stops. Though considered a mid-tier edge prospect, he showcased impressive bursts and technique development during his final year at Texas. He projects as a rotational pass-rusher early in his career, potentially taking over a starting role down the line with further strength and conditioning.
Why This Pick Matters:
After Za’Darius Smith’s departure and with Rashan Gary’s injury history, depth at edge rusher is critical. Sorrell ensures the Packers remain formidable up front.
Round 5, Pick 159: Collin Oliver, DE, Oklahoma State
Continuing the theme of fortifying the defensive front, the Packers added another edge defender.
Collin Oliver was highly productive during his time at Oklahoma State, posting double-digit sacks over his final two seasons. Though slightly undersized for a traditional defensive end (6’2”, 240 lbs), he excels in space and has a knack for finding the football.
He could be a perfect candidate for a hybrid outside linebacker/pass rusher role, giving defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley plenty of creative options.
Why This Pick Matters:
Green Bay knows it needs to generate consistent pressure to succeed in the playoffs. Oliver adds valuable depth and upside to an increasingly important position group.
Round 6, Pick 198: Warren Brinson, DT, Georgia
The Packers dipped into Georgia’s NFL factory, selecting defensive tackle Warren Brinson.
Brinson isn’t flashy, but he’s a strong run defender who can hold his ground against double teams. In a division where stopping the run against opponents like the Lions and Bears is vital, Brinson provides insurance for the trenches.
Expect Brinson to rotate in early, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Why This Pick Matters:
Defensive tackle depth was thin behind Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt. Brinson fills a necessary gap.
Round 7, Pick 237: Micah Robinson, CB, Tulane
Green Bay took a flyer on Micah Robinson, a long (6’2”), fast, and aggressive cornerback who made noise at Tulane after transferring from Furman.
Robinson’s specialty is man coverage, but he also showed flashes as a zone defender. His competitiveness and ability to contribute on special teams make him an attractive late-round prospect.
Why This Pick Matters:
Cornerback is a premium position, and injuries decimated the Packers’ secondary last year. Robinson is a developmental player who could become a valuable depth piece.
Round 7, Pick 250 (Compensatory): John Williams, OL
Little known outside of scouting circles, John Williams offers another swing offensive lineman prospect. With solid technique and a mauler mentality in the run game, Williams could stick on the practice squad or compete for a depth role.
Why This Pick Matters:
Offensive line injuries pile up over a 17-game season. Smart franchises continuously invest in the trenches.
Undrafted Free Agents: Hidden Gems?
Green Bay was aggressive after the draft, signing several undrafted free agents (UDFAs) who could make noise:
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Julian Fleming, WR (Ohio State): A former five-star recruit who never fully blossomed in college but still has elite athletic traits.
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Nazir Stackhouse, DT (Georgia): Another Georgia defender who could have been a late-round pick.
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Amar Johnson, RB (South Dakota State): A dynamic, shifty runner who could fit LaFleur’s scheme.
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Connor Shay, LB (Wyoming): A top CFL Draft prospect brought in to compete during rookie minicamp.
The Packers’ history of finding UDFAs who stick (think Tramon Williams and Sam Shields) gives hope that one or two of these players could earn a spot.
Big Picture: Strategic Implications
Building Around Jordan Love
This draft sent a clear message: the Packers believe in Jordan Love. Surrounding him with high-upside receivers and ensuring he has a strong offensive line shows they’re committed to giving him every possible advantage.
Strengthening the Defense
The front seven received critical reinforcements, with pass rush depth being a priority. As Green Bay transitions to new defensive philosophies under Jeff Hafley, adding versatile, athletic defenders makes a lot of sense.
Roster Ramifications
Players like Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Rasheed Walker, and Sean Rhyan are entering crucial years. The infusion of young talent creates competition, pushing underperforming veterans to elevate their game or risk being replaced.
Draft Grades: What Analysts Are Saying
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NFL.com: A-
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ESPN: B
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FOX Sports: B
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Yahoo! Sports: B
Critics loved the Matthew Golden pick and praised the value selections of Barryn Sorrell and Warren Brinson. Some pointed out the Packers could have addressed tight end or linebacker earlier, but overall, this class was seen as strong and balanced.
A Pivotal Draft for the Future
The 2025 NFL Draft could be a turning point for the Green Bay Packers. By reinforcing the offense and building sustainable depth on defense, the Packers positioned themselves to stay competitive not just this year, but for seasons to come.
If Jordan Love continues to ascend, and this draft class lives up to even a fraction of its potential, Green Bay could be primed for another run of sustained success.
In classic Packers fashion, patience and development will be key — but the foundation laid this spring looks rock solid.
