The Green Bay Packers 2025 draft class is filled with several fun, intriguing players. The majority of these players bring unique features to the table which is perfect for Matt LaFleur and Jeff Hafley. In the first three rounds, Green Bay selected three offensive players. Once Gutekunst made the decision to draft TCU WR Savion Williams, his draft strategy to address the needs of the team became quite clear. The Packers want to get bigger on the offensive line and have a long list of playmaking options.
Reflecting on the Packers’ 2024 losses, two to Detroit, two to Minnesota, and two Philadelphia, these six games all followed similar scripts. Green Bay’s offensive line struggled and the Packers could not find ways to consistently move the ball, predominately in the passing game. Matt LaFleur mentioned that the Super Champion Eagles have, if the not the largest, one of the largest offensive lines in football. The Packers seem set on adopting that philosophy.
The playoff game in Philadelphia is one that really stings in terms of the frustration with the inability to move the ball. The Packers defense put together an impressive performance and did everything they could to keep Green Bay in the game. However, once Elton Jenkins left with an injury, Kadeem Telfort and Travis Glover combined for four holding penalties which derailed a couple of drives. Additionally, the Packers WR core struggled to create separation which caused Love to force a few throws which is not ideal.
The Packers Draft Class & Their Effect on the Roster
Gutekunst preaches the idea of competition. It is clear that he wants to see overall improvement and have increased a number of options on the offensive line and at the wide receiver position. The Packers need one of the current WRs or one of the rookies to take the next step. It could be Doubs, Reed, or Wicks but it very well maybe Golden or Williams. Nonetheless, the up and down seasons from Wicks and Reed in 2024 and with Watson and Doubs in their final contract year, Gutekunst felt validated in addressing the WR position.
First Round pick WR Matthew Golden will fix the missing speed option while Christian Watson works his way back from an ACL injury. Golden can play on the outside and in the slot. TCU WR Savion Williams is fun, exciting gadget piece. He can be an outside wide receiver but he can also be a motion/jet sweep piece and a possible option in the backfield. When he gets the ball in his hands, anything can happen. Williams is a fast, violent runner who is hard to contain and more importantly, tackle. It is not going to be easy to get Reed, Wicks, Doubs, Golden, and Williams on the field all the time. This should great an exciting training camp competition which will hopefully, lead to one (or two) of these players breaking out.
The Anthony Belton selection in the second round was a bit of surprise. 2024 First Round Pick OL Jordan Morgan is yet to see real, significant playing time. Morgan dealt with a handful of injuries which derailed his rookie season. The Packers are still determined to find out what they have in Morgan so the Belton pick is an interesting one. The most obvious reason for drafting Belton is the Packers want shear size on the offensive line. Gutekunst made that clear when he signed G Aaron Banks. By drafting Belton, it will create a competition at the LT and the RG positions.
The Packers Conclusive Draft Strategy
Overall, the Packers are determined to find a gem at the wide receiver position and build a large, powerful line for Jacobs to run behind and to keep Love upright. All in all, these moves should address two real concerns from the 2024 Packer team.
