The Green Bay Packers 2025 draft class analysis is here. The Packers added eight players in the draft. Here’s a look at the new rookies and what they bring to the table.
Round 1, Pick 23: Matthew Golden WR Texas
Yes, the Packers finally ended the drought and selected a wide receiver in round one for the first time since 2002. Matthew Golden was hosted for a pre-draft in Green Bay, as were McMillan and Egbuka, all of which were projected first round wide receivers. Golden fell into the hands of Brian Gutekunst and company, and they didn’t think twice.
Golden was the fastest wide receiver in the draft, running a 4.29 in his 40-yard dash. Given the injury of the Packers’ deep threat Christian Watson, Golden provides another way for the Packers offense to stretch the field. Brian Gutekunst on Golden, “Obviously he has elite speed. His ability to stretch the field outside the numbers is really, really important. And when you watch him, we thought he arguably had some of the best hands in the draft.”
It was later released that the Packers had offers to move off of 23 but ultimately decided to stay put in order to select Golden. Golden has the opportunity to make a huge impact as a rookie.
Round 2, Pick 54: Anthony Belton OT NC State
Belton was a surprise pick for many. As a projected third to fourth round selection, the Packers grabbed Belton at pick 54. Despite this pick initially seeming like a “reach”, Head Coach Matt LaFleur later revealed that Belton attended 14 top 30 visits with teams. The Packers must have assumed Belton would not have still been available at pick 87.
Belton is, quite literally, a massive addition to the Packers offensive line. Standing at 6’6 336 pounds, the NC State product provides more protection for quarterback Jordan Love. Brian Gutekunst stated, “Obviously, he’s got great size and he can move people in the run game.”
It will be interesting to see how the offensive line shakes out for Green Bay this year. With the addition of Aaron Banks and a healthy Jordan Morgan, the lineup is definitely something to keep an eye on.
Round 3, Pick 87: Savion Williams WR TCU
Savion Williams could end up being a really fun pick for Green Bay. It was evident after the draft that the Packers are looking for more from the wide receiver room.
With Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson entering the final year of their rookie deals, it seems the front office is preparing for a shake up within the future wide receiver room. Williams is not the most polished receiver, but he can do a little bit of everything.
Williams is 6’4, 220 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds. Despite struggling a bit with consistency as a wide receiver, Williams posted six receiving touchdowns and six rushing touchdowns in his 2024 season.
“You just want to find different ways to give him the ball because he’s so big, he’s so powerful, so explosive,” per head coach Matt LaFleur. This could be a really fun pick if the Packers can unlock the untapped potential.
Round 4, Pick 124: Barryn Sorrell DT Texas
Another Longhorn selected by Green Bay, but this time on the opposite side of the ball. Sorrell waited in the green room at the draft in Green Bay and was greeted by fans of his future home when his name was called.
With the current state of the defensive line, it’s hard to imagine that Sorrell won’t see starting snaps on day one. Despite not displaying a ton of production in college in terms of sacks, Sorrell was excellent against the run.
“As we get these 30 visits, we had a couple guys from Texas come through here,” Gutekunst said. “We always ask these guys, ‘Who are the best practice players?’ Or, ‘If you’re going to a team, who are you bringing with you?’ They consistently, unanimously always pointed to him.”
The Packers are getting an immediate contributor and a player who is willing to work. Not much more you can ask for out of a fourth-round pick.
Round 5, Pick 159: Collin Oliver LB Oklahoma State
Collin Oliver likely would have been selected earlier in this draft had he not broken his foot two games into the 2024 season at Oklahoma State. The Packers have labeled Oliver as a “designated pass rusher”.
Analyst Lance Zierlein had this to say about the Oklahoma State product, ” He projects as a designated pass rusher and developmental off-ball linebacker with the ability to jump into a special-teams role.”
With a career 40.5 tackles for loss and 23.5 sacks on his career, Oliver will find a place to contribute for Green Bay.
Round 6, Pick 198: Warren Brinson DT Georgia
It wouldn’t be a Brian Gutekunst draft without picking a player from Georgia. Brinson earned a 9.10 Relative Athletic Score (RAS), scoring “elite” in size grade, “great” in explosion, and “good” for speed.
His college stats aren’t overly impressive, but he possesses the traits to become a rotational piece for the Packers.
Round 7, Pick 237: Micah Robison CB Tulane
With the status of Jaire Alexander up in the air at the time of draft, it was somewhat surprising Gutekunst, and company waited until round seven to add to the corner room. Micah Robinson started his career at Furman before transferring to Tulane for his final year of college football.
With a 4.42 40-yard dash, the speed never hurts. Gutekunst said, “He took a step up from Furman to Tulane and played really, really well in his first season there. As he gets more reps against better competition, I think he’s going to continue to improve.”
Round 7, Pick 250: John Williams OT Cincinnati
If there is any team that is good at finding gems for the offensive line, it’s Green Bay. Williams is a low risk seventh round selection. He started at left tackle for Cincinatti for two seasons.
Analyst Lance Zierlein had this to say about Williams, “Williams, a college tackle, has the body type of a guard, which is where he might be asked to move as a pro.” A low risk seventh round selection that could become a nice back-up for the Packers.
Personal Analysis
I think the Packers front office did a good job with this draft. This draft is just good. The Matthew Golden pick was obviously the highlight, but I would have liked a corner and a defensive tackle addition a little earlier.
The corner situation is less stressful now that it seems Jaire Alexander is negotiating with Green Bay in an effort to remain a part of the Packers, but depth is still concerning to me. The pass rush was disappointing last year, and with little picks spent to improve it, I’m not overly confident a change in coaching is going to fix the lack of production.
Overall, still an exciting time of year as always. I look forward to the Golden addition as well as how the Packers plan to use Savion Williams. I’d give this draft grade a solid B.
