2025 Draft Prospects for Packers

[DoURant]

With the Vikings losing to the Rams, the Packers are officially picking at #23 in the 2025 NFL Draft.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Okay I've had multiple texts and even a few messages here asking Ty, please provide a few WRs you think should be or would be on GB's radar....okay I cannot go in depth into all of these just yet but here you go...also let me say I focusing on a guy that has majority of his usage on the outside, a true alpha and someone that has proven to be that for a few years now. I am also skipping guys I expect to be gone Day1.

Elic Ayomanor - Stanford 6'1' 210lbs
Elic is the one guy that some reading this may think is a Day1 guy and he is right there or near on most EARLY boards. Nonetheless, his power filled frame, incredible explosion and very good long speed mixed with being a high level route runner doesn't leave a ton of stuff on the table that isn't checked. That said, an aggressive CB that loves to jam does give him fuss sometimes by his stance naturally opening his frame up much more than many others. He also has had some drops - six in 2023, seven in 2024 - which is concerning as well. I expect him to test very well and be a great athletic profile if not nearly elite. As for GB tendencies he checks the physical stature box, likely RAS box and production box...and from an established program albeit not elite anymore.

Jayden Higgins - Iowa State 6'4' 210lbs
One of my favorite prospects in this draft both from what he is coming in, what he may turn into and the value I think he will provide. Higgins contrary to his Iowa State counterpart Noel, whom I think folks are too high on, Higgins hit the ground running in his first year (2023) and flat out produced from the jump at Iowa State after playing at Eastern Kentucky as well (his 2022 there saw 10 TDs and 757 yards). Plain and simple regardless of where and whom is lined up against Higgins, he's going to put yards up and quickly hurt a team if they don't pay attention to him. He doesn't quite have the long speed you might want, but his foot speed and route abilities just create a mismatch not solely dependent upon his raw abilities and if you add in his Football IQ and ability to dissect zone coverages well should IMO get him a second round pick but you'll hear some argue third. Dude is deadly in at slot and out wide too.

Tre Harris - Ole Miss 6'2' 210lbs
Ole Miss has some of my favorite prospects at tons of positions (LB, DT...) and Tre in many ways could be a copy and paste of Higgins from above but I'll add Tre seems like he has to have some massive arms, because his catch radius is awesome. Unlike Higgins Tre doesn't have the route refinement or precision but is another Day2 guy that I could totally see GB call his name.

Jalen Royals - Utah State 6'0' 205lbs
I am so sad for Royals and the injury that ended his 2024 season because this man was COOKING. Check out his 2023 and shortened (7 games only) 2024 season:
2023 - 71 REC / 1080 YARDS / 15.2 Y/R / 15 TD
2024 - 55 REC / 834 YARDS / 15.2 Y/R / 6 TD

This dude was fixing to break 2023 and then some in likely all categories (maybe not TD). He is a gritty experienced WR who was a three sport athlete from Powder Springs, Georgia home town Hillgrove High School. He was at Georgia Military College for a year before transferring to Utah State in 2022....he wouldn't record a single stat on the field that year. He didn't leave or quit....2023 he EXPLODED and in 2024 he was set to do the same. I love these hungry guys that have fought and eats when chances present. His 2024 foot injury could slide him down out of Day 2 into the fourth range but I strongly feel he is a Day 2 guy no doubt.

I'll share some others and a few Day 3 likely guys to keep eye on later.

Thanks for the list. I'd like to see Gluten go for a top CB and WR in free agency. If he can do a repeat of what he did with McKinney and Jacobs, well that would be sweet. And of course what gets done, or not, in FA affects the draft. But CB and WR are the two areas in need of veteran help imo.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

With the Vikings losing to the Rams, the Packers are officially picking at #23 in the 2025 NFL Draft.

That was just one of many highlights of the Vikings getting their arses kicked last night!

Had the Rams lost, we would be sitting at #24.

Skål!!

 

[rmontro]

Think there's any chance GB takes a QB in the first round?

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Think there's any chance GB takes a QB in the first round?

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[milani]

Think there's any chance GB takes a QB in the first round?

No.

 

[Heyjoe4]

FWIW I like CB Morrison out of ND. I'll be surprised if he lasts until #23 but stranger things have happened. The draft seems pretty deep at corner. I also hope Gluten brings in a veteran CB in FA. I think Stokes and JA are done in GB. Valentine had a fine year. Nixon will likely be back. A solid veteran and a solid draft pick could make the D a lot tougher.

That said, the entire defense played well against the Eagles. I was pretty amazed they held the offense to 15 points (not counting the kickoff fumble).

 

[milani]

FWIW I like CB Morrison out of ND. I'll be surprised if he lasts until #23 but stranger things have happened. The draft seems pretty deep at corner. I also hope Gluten brings in a veteran CB in FA. I think Stokes and JA are done in GB. Valentine had a fine year. Nixon will likely be back. A solid veteran and a solid draft pick could make the D a lot tougher.

That said, the entire defense played well against the Eagles. I was pretty amazed they held the offense to 15 points (not counting the kickoff fumble).

Is it worth trading up? Nixon stays but may be better in the slot.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Is it worth trading up? Nixon stays but may be better in the slot.

It will be interesting to see what the Packers do with Nixon. Most likely, they will have to decide by the 5th day of league year, since if he is still on the roster, he will get a $2.805M roster bonus. His $1.17M base salary is totally affordable. His total cap hit for 2025 would be $6.8416M, but if they cut or trade him before that deadline, he has a dead cap hit of $4.33M. I think they pay him on the 5th day and deal with him after. Unless of course, he says he wants CB #1 money or he won't play.

 

[milani]

It will be interesting to see what the Packers do with Nixon. Most likely, they will have to decide by the 5th day of league year, since if he is still on the roster, he will get a $2.805M roster bonus. His $1.17M base salary is totally affordable. His total cap hit for 2025 would be $6.8416M, but if they cut or trade him before that deadline, he has a dead cap hit of $4.33M. I think they pay him on the 5th day and deal with him after. Unless of course, he says he wants CB #1 money or he won't play.

In looking at the numbers Hafley definitely improved the team defense especially against the run. 28th to 7th? When was the last time our run D was that good? It looks like our team played well against the rest of their opponents but could not solve the top 3, Detroit, Philly, and Minny.

 

[shockerx]

In looking at the numbers Hafley definitely improved the team defense especially against the run. 28th to 7th? When was the last time our run D was that good? It looks like our team played well against the rest of their opponents but could not solve the top 3, Detroit, Philly, and Minny.

Hafley did a great job...and the D will be better in 25. In simple terms the way to deal with Goff, Hurts and Darnold is pressure and more pressure. Thats why im leaning to Edge or DL over CB for now... also pressure makes the CB room look better...lets see who lines up at 23 pick.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Hafley did a great job...and the D will be better in 25. In simple terms the way to deal with Goff, Hurts and Darnold is pressure and more pressure. Thats why im leaning to Edge or DL over CB for now... also pressure makes the CB room look better...lets see who lines up at 23 pick.

I agree. You aren't going to beat a good QB or a good offense, when you allow them to stand around and wait for receivers to get open, because they will. Nor are you going to stop them by playing soft and giving up 10-15 yard passes, just so that one big one doesn't hurt you. It isn't often that Packer defenses get burned by a long pass, instead, they seem to prefer the "die by a 1000 cuts" methods.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Hafley did a great job...and the D will be better in 25. In simple terms the way to deal with Goff, Hurts and Darnold is pressure and more pressure. Thats why im leaning to Edge or DL over CB for now... also pressure makes the CB room look better...lets see who lines up at 23 pick.

That's an interesting priority, Edge rusher over CB. I've been saying for months that Gluten needs to remake the CBs as he did the safeties. But if he can get two Edge guys in FA, as he did with the Smith Bros, and consistently bring pressure on the QB, that would make the CB job easier.

And I think an aggressive defensive front just takes the wind out of an opponent. Anyway, that may be the way to go. Their pass rush is next to nothing, although they have certainly improved at run stop.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Looks like the Packers are being projected to receive 1 comp pick this year, a 7th rounder.

That actually is a pleasant surprise to me. I figured with the FA signings of Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney, the Packers wouldn't get a comp. pick this year.

According to the article below, the loss of Runyan and Savage cancelled out the Packers signings of Jacobs and McKinney and the 7th rounder is compensation for the loss of Yosh Nijman.

As of now, that would give the Packers 8 picks in the draft. All of their original picks in the first 6 rounds, the Steelers pick in the 7th (Preston Smith trade), plus the 7th round compensatory pick.

Packers projected to receive single seventh-round compensatory pick in 2025 draft

The Packers are projected to receive just one compensatory pick in the 2025 draft.

packerswire.usatoday.com

 

[tynimiller]

Looks like the Packers are being projected to receive 1 comp pick this year, a 7th rounder.

That actually is a pleasant surprise to me. I figured with the FA signings of Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney, the Packers wouldn't get a comp. pick this year.

According to the article below, the loss of Runyan and Savage cancelled out the Packers signings of Jacobs and McKinney and the 7th rounder is compensation for the loss of Yosh Nijman.

As of now, that would give the Packers 8 picks in the draft. All of their original picks in the first 6 rounds, the Steelers pick in the 7th (Preston Smith trade), plus the 7th round compensatory pick.

Packers projected to receive single seventh-round compensatory pick in 2025 draft

The Packers are projected to receive just one compensatory pick in the 2025 draft.

packerswire.usatoday.com

I lost track of what it would have been but we traded for Malik too so I don't know if we have our original picks.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I lost track of what it would have been but we traded for Malik too so I don't know if we have our original picks.

Yeah, the Packers traded their own 2025 7th round pick for Willis. So their 2 picks in the 7th (so far) are from the Steelers (Preston Smith trade), which I believe will be the 21st pick in the 7th and a projected 7th round comp. pick towards the end of the round.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Packers 8 Picks:

#23
#54
#87
#123
#158
#196
#247 (Via Steelers)
#? (projected 7th round comp. pic)

 

[Heyjoe4]

I agree. You aren't going to beat a good QB or a good offense, when you allow them to stand around and wait for receivers to get open, because they will. Nor are you going to stop them by playing soft and giving up 10-15 yard passes, just so that one big one doesn't hurt you. It isn't often that Packer defenses get burned by a long pass, instead, they seem to prefer the "die by a 1000 cuts" methods.

Hafley played a lot more zone than I expected. But considering the CB talent, and with JA out, he really couldn't play man. So yeah, a lot of passes in the flat/underneath that go for 5 to 15 yards. Death by a thousand cuts describes it all right.

That can be avoided with better CBs, and a better pass rush. I think he has to go after a WR in FA, kinda limited to Tee Higgins.

That's a long list of needs. Will he try and trade for Max Crosby? That's risky and costly, but Gluten has to do something.

 

[tynimiller]

Hafley played a lot more zone than I expected. But considering the CB talent, and with JA out, he really couldn't play man. So yeah, a lot of passes in the flat/underneath that go for 5 to 15 yards. Death by a thousand cuts describes it all right.

That can be avoided with better CBs, and a better pass rush. I think he has to go after a WR in FA, kinda limited to Tee Higgins.

That's a long list of needs. Will he try and trade for Max Crosby? That's risky and costly, but Gluten has to do something.

Even in a world Hafley controls you likely still line up in a zone concept/coverage play call more than half the time. That said, yes man concepts were deployed less than I bet anyone wanted and Jaire being out the primary reasons.

I hope they don't even consider Tee personally. Going to cost too much and anyone that keeps ******* Watson for availability just do a google and find out how many games Watson has played in the last two seasons and how many Tee has played in the last two seasons.

I will never be a fan of paying top top dollar for a RB or a WR, I just don't think history will tell you the odds are in your favor of this working out...now Edge, CB or few other spots I understand and get it. If Gute is going to break the bank, I think it needs to be on a Maxx Crosby type acquisition...otherwise I'd love to see two or three Amos style or type acquisitions which include CB and Edge and maybe iDL.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Even in a world Hafley controls you likely still line up in a zone concept/coverage play call more than half the time. That said, yes man concepts were deployed less than I bet anyone wanted and Jaire being out the primary reasons.

I hope they don't even consider Tee personally. Going to cost too much and anyone that keeps ******* Watson for availability just do a google and find out how many games Watson has played in the last two seasons and how many Tee has played in the last two seasons.

I will never be a fan of paying top top dollar for a RB or a WR, I just don't think history will tell you the odds are in your favor of this working out...now Edge, CB or few other spots I understand and get it. If Gute is going to break the bank, I think it needs to be on a Maxx Crosby type acquisition...otherwise I'd love to see two or three Amos style or type acquisitions which include CB and Edge and maybe iDL.

I agree with you on Higgins. He's far and away the best/youngest WR in a weak (so far) group of FA WR's and it will cost the team that finally gets him, way more than they should have paid. I do think Gute needs to bring in a Vet. WR though and there are quite a few older vet WR's available that will cost less and still give the Packers a good year or two.

I also agree that if Gute is going to spend big money in Free Agency, he needs to do it with a D-lineman. Whether that is a DT or a DE is the big question. They probably can improve the DT through the draft easier. We definitely need to improve at CB, but honestly, I think the biggest problem with the defense is a lack of consistent pass rush. I think that only improves in 1 of 2 ways (or both), improved players in your front 7 and/or Hafley using better blitz packages.

I also think that depending on where they project Hopper to be next year, the Packers need to possibly find another starting LB. I just wasn't impressed by McDuffie again this season and Wilson seemed to take a step back. Both decent backups, but not starters.

 

[tynimiller]

I agree with you on Higgins. He's far and away the best/youngest WR in a weak (so far) group of FA WR's and it will cost the team that finally gets him, way more than they should have paid. I do think Gute needs to bring in a Vet. WR though and there are quite a few older vet WR's available that will cost less and still give the Packers a good year or two.

I also agree that if Gute is going to spend big money in Free Agency, he needs to do it with a D-lineman. Whether that is a DT or a DE is the big question. They probably can improve the DT through the draft easier. We definitely need to improve at CB, but honestly, I think the biggest problem with the defense is a lack of consistent pass rush. I think that only improves in 1 of 2 ways (or both), improved players in your front 7 and/or Hafley using better blitz packages.

I also think that depending on where they project Hopper to be next year, the Packers need to possibly find another starting LB. I just wasn't impressed by McDuffie again this season and Wilson seemed to take a step back. Both decent backups, but not starters.

The one thing with big spending is I just don't see a big spender type CB hitting the market right now...truth be told if we cut Jaire today, he's the best CB available IMO. Now some would say Carlton Davis should be above him...but most are not putting Charvarius Ward above him...or DJ Reed above him...at least not IMO. Now IF the chargers really let Asante Samuel Jr get free I personally believe he could be better.

A reuniting with Rasul Douglas is something I hope Gute wouldn't be a hard and fast no against...not typical of GB to reunite with a 30 plus year old returnee...but Rasul had a down year this year compared to lighting it up last year, but is still a really dependable, durable outside CB that even in this less than stellar UFA CB field won't see tops dollar due to his age likely.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

The one thing with big spending is I just don't see a big spender type CB hitting the market right now...truth be told if we cut Jaire today, he's the best CB available IMO. Now some would say Carlton Davis should be above him...but most are not putting Charvarius Ward above him...or DJ Reed above him...at least not IMO. Now IF the chargers really let Asante Samuel Jr get free I personally believe he could be better.

A reuniting with Rasul Douglas is something I hope Gute wouldn't be a hard and fast no against...not typical of GB to reunite with a 30 plus year old returnee...but Rasul had a down year this year compared to lighting it up last year, but is still a really dependable, durable outside CB that even in this less than stellar UFA CB field won't see tops dollar due to his age likely.

While I wasn't a fan of giving JA the big contract in 2022, it is what it is. At this point the only way the Packers should cut ties with him is if they think he is physically not worth keeping. Meaning, his availability above 75% of the time for 2025 will be questionable. I don't think that is the case, but that's up to the medical staff.

Anyway, it isn't like the Packers are loaded at CB. Even if Jaire is at 100% they NEED another quality starting CB and right now, I don't see that guy on the team.

Some might argue that the Packers should trade JA. Really? What are you going to get for him? A 5th or 6th at best? Save $6M in cap space, but you still need someone to replace him.

Gute is going to have to get busy in Free Agency this year and nail some draft picks. If he wants a Super Bowl Team in 2025, it is going to take improvements at quite a few positions and CB is probably #2 or 3 on the list behind EDGE and IDL.

 

[tynimiller]

While I wasn't a fan of giving JA the big contract in 2022, it is what it is. At this point the only way the Packers should cut ties with him is if they think he is physically not worth keeping. Meaning, his availability above 75% of the time for 2025 will be questionable. I don't think that is the case, but that's up to the medical staff.

Anyway, it isn't like the Packers are loaded at CB. Even if Jaire is at 100% they NEED another quality starting CB and right now, I don't see that guy on the team.

Some might argue that the Packers should trade JA. Really? What are you going to get for him? A 5th or 6th at best? Save $6M in cap space, but you still need someone to replace him.

Gute is going to have to get busy in Free Agency this year and nail some draft picks. If he wants a Super Bowl Team in 2025, it is going to take improvements at quite a few positions and CB is probably #2 or 3 on the list behind EDGE and IDL.

Ja is worth more than a late day 3 as illustrated or some others have brought up. League knows this, the only way that is all you take straight up is lack of suitors and desire to be done and move on; know now rather than spend months trying to work a deal.

Take a team like the Colts for instance, if I'm Gute and say I'm as high on Banjamin Morrison as that bozo Tynimiller is from the Packer forum...I'm already having early talks with them about hey, you guys need CB help, you have cap space and Jaire to a new team is less than $19M for two years worth of play....trade the colts our first and Jaire for their first.

Colts move nine spots, retain a first rounder AND get an all pro CB when healthy (a position of need) for cheaper than they'll spend if they go get one of the top FAs likely...and still have a pick in the top 25. I could easily see a slide type move make them consider. Sure maybe they want something more and you can work out a swap of 2026 picks (our fourth for their fifth or something) but damn this plays out for the colts they gave up nothing, retained a first and added an All Pro cheap....

What did we gain...the already known path forward without Jaire, and a gamble at our likely third highest rated CB that we are ready to play opposite Carrington day 1.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Ja is worth more than a late day 3 as illustrated or some others have brought up. League knows this, the only way that is all you take straight up is lack of suitors and desire to be done and move on; know now rather than spend months trying to work a deal.

Take a team like the Colts for instance, if I'm Gute and say I'm as high on Banjamin Morrison as that bozo Tynimiller is from the Packer forum...I'm already having early talks with them about hey, you guys need CB help, you have cap space and Jaire to a new team is less than $19M for two years worth of play....trade the colts our first and Jaire for their first.

Colts move nine spots, retain a first rounder AND get an all pro CB when healthy (a position of need) for cheaper than they'll spend if they go get one of the top FAs likely...and still have a pick in the top 25. I could easily see a slide type move make them consider. Sure maybe they want something more and you can work out a swap of 2026 picks (our fourth for their fifth or something) but damn this plays out for the colts they gave up nothing, retained a first and added an All Pro cheap....

What did we gain...the already known path forward without Jaire, and a gamble at our likely third highest rated CB that we are ready to play opposite Carrington day 1.

I am not familiar with the Colts roster or their 2025 needs, but the Packers need at CB is pretty high IMO, even with Jaire. Without him, it's huge.

I guess I see it this way. If another team is confidant enough in JA's future health, that they would trade away some high value for him (mid 2nd round pick value in your example), than the Packers probably have the same outlook on him. I get it, the new cost to another team seems reasonable, but that is the same "new cost" that the Packers have by not trading/cutting him. The rest of his cap hit is sunk (dead cap) and really shouldn't be factored into the conversation.

All that said, if the Packers don't have a good feeling about JA's future productivity, then yes, by all means, get what you can for him and take the $19M dead cap hit.

 

[tynimiller]

I am not familiar with the Colts roster or their 2025 needs, but the Packers need at CB is pretty high IMO, even with Jaire. Without him, it's huge.

I guess I see it this way. If another team is confidant enough in JA's future health, that they would trade away some high value for him (mid 2nd round pick value in your example), than the Packers probably have the same outlook on him. I get it, the new cost to another team seems reasonable, but that is the same "new cost" that the Packers have by not trading/cutting him. The rest of his cap hit is sunk (dead cap) and really shouldn't be factored into the conversation.

All that said, if the Packers don't have a good feeling about JA's future productivity, then yes, by all means, get what you can for him and take the $19M dead cap hit.

But it isn’t the same cost if he stays. We are paying this year in this cap X amount if he leaves, if he stays it is that like $18M PLUS that X amount.

I think the Jaire boat sails based more on relationship at this point well before what the team thinks he is player wise