2025 Draft Prospects for Packers

[tynimiller]

They need a solid veteran to lead this group of talented but young WRs, imo. Anyone out there in FA aside from Higgins and Adams?

Some names folks will recognize.....Diggs, Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper, Brandin Cooks

Darius Slayton and Chris Godwin are likely my favorite two from a play perspective and cost likely.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Some names folks will recognize.....Diggs, Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper, Brandin Cooks

Darius Slayton and Chris Godwin are likely my favorite two from a play perspective and cost likely.

Out of that group, I like Godwin best. He wouldn't break the bank (I think), and the biggest need is veteran leadership at WR. WR is not the biggest need for GB this offseason - that would be CB, Edge, and iDL.

 

[tynimiller]

Before the Combine I wanted to share my personal rankings in some positions...if there isn't a ranking they're clustered tightly and no clear winner yet for me. Of course some further film, combine and intel may change this still. Refining more positions and will share. Debating on trying to do a OL or split and do a OT and iOL but too many guys likely that you just don't know.

WR
1 - Tetairoa McMillan
2 - Emeka Egbuka
3 - Jayden Higgins
4 - Jalen Royals
5 - Matthew Golden
6 - Elic Ayomanor
7 - Jack Bech
8 - Tre Harris
9 - Luther Burden (not a fan of his size and play style translating well BUT HIGH level athlete)
10 - Pat Bryant

CB
1 - Will Johnson
Jahdae Barron
Trey Amos
Benjamin Morrison
5 - Azareye'h Thomas
6 - Quincey Riley
7 - Nohl Williams
8 - Cobee Bryant
9 - Mello Dotson
10 - Maxwell Hairston

iDL
1 - Mason Graham
2 - Walter Nolen
3 - Kenneth Grant
4 - Darius Alexander
5 - TJ Sanders
6 - Deone Walker
7 - Alfred Collins
8 - Tyleik Williams
9 - Shemar Turner
10 - Derrick Harmon

 

[Heyjoe4]

Before the Combine I wanted to share my personal rankings in some positions...if there isn't a ranking they're clustered tightly and no clear winner yet for me. Of course some further film, combine and intel may change this still. Refining more positions and will share. Debating on trying to do a OL or split and do a OT and iOL but too many guys likely that you just don't know.

WR
1 - Tetairoa McMillan
2 - Emeka Egbuka
3 - Jayden Higgins
4 - Jalen Royals
5 - Matthew Golden
6 - Elic Ayomanor
7 - Jack Bech
8 - Tre Harris
9 - Luther Burden (not a fan of his size and play style translating well BUT HIGH level athlete)
10 - Pat Bryant

CB
1 - Will Johnson
Jahdae Barron
Trey Amos
Benjamin Morrison
5 - Azareye'h Thomas
6 - Quincey Riley
7 - Nohl Williams
8 - Cobee Bryant
9 - Mello Dotson
10 - Maxwell Hairston

iDL
1 - Mason Graham
2 - Walter Nolen
3 - Kenneth Grant
4 - Darius Alexander
5 - TJ Sanders
6 - Deone Walker
7 - Alfred Collins
8 - Tyleik Williams
9 - Shemar Turner
10 - Derrick Harmon

Hey Ty, do you think Barron would be just as good a pick as Morrison? Just curious because, in general, most mocks have Morrison going earlier, and Barron falling to GB.

I'd be interested in how you rank Edge guys. Thanks for the work.

 

[tynimiller]

Hey Ty, do you think Barron would be just as good a pick as Morrison? Just curious because, in general, most mocks have Morrison going earlier, and Barron falling to GB.

I'd be interested in how you rank Edge guys. Thanks for the work.

I truly think Barron goes before Morrison only from recency and injury possibly. I believe Morrison and Barron both will be long term starters in the NFL.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I truly think Barron goes before Morrison only from recency and injury possibly. I believe Morrison and Barron both will be long term starters in the NFL.

Thanks for the info. Unless Gluten picks up a decent CB in FA (Byron Joseph from MN???), I expect he'll use the 23rd pick on a CB. He could also trade up in or out of the first round.

Too much time and too many variables to be certain of much. But as it stands now, Barron, Morrison, or one of the other CBs you have rated high will be the likeliest target.

 

[tynimiller]

Nothing changed much for me except a few notes:

-Caldwell the biggun from Oregon was incredible smooth in the movement skills and drills, firmly confirming he is a 3rd/4th round guy that could fill that middle front role of TJ if we don’t resign him (yes West and Collins also confirmed they’re legit)

- Landon Jackson has always been that borderline first pick for us and his vertical and explosiveness in testing was nuts, no 270 pounder should jump over 40.

- Shemar Stewart confirmed he won’t be there for us to pick.

- My boy Ahmed from Boise State showed out and showed up.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Nothing changed much for me except a few notes:

-Caldwell the biggun from Oregon was incredible smooth in the movement skills and drills, firmly confirming he is a 3rd/4th round guy that could fill that middle front role of TJ if we don’t resign him (yes West and Collins also confirmed they’re legit)

- Landon Jackson has always been that borderline first pick for us and his vertical and explosiveness in testing was nuts, no 270 pounder should jump over 40.

- Shemar Stewart confirmed he won’t be there for us to pick.

- My boy Ahmed from Boise State showed out and showed up.

I've been reading more about the draft, and it sounds like a solid market for iDL/Edge. The top guys will be gone by the time the Packers pick, but according to an article in, I think, The Athletic, there is plenty of value to be had at DL in later rounds. Anyway, I found that encouraging.

As for WR, I'm still hoping Gluten can swing a deal to get FA Darius Slayton on board - the guy you mentioned. Yeah he'll come with a $15-$16 mil AAV, but with current cap room and the significant increase in cap from the NFL, they could afford him.

Finally, sure sounds like JA is gone, probably cut outright unless Gluten can find a sucker, I mean a trade partner. So with that, Byron Murphy looks good to me, CB from MN. That would at least partially fill needs at WR and CB, and still leave the draft to deal with DL.

 

[tynimiller]

I really don’t think we cut Ja. For as broken as that relationship is, someone absolutely minimum would give a late day3 flyer for him.

I would absolutely do that if roles were reversed. When healthy and in he is still a top5/top10 CB

 

[Heyjoe4]

I really don’t think we cut Ja. For as broken as that relationship is, someone absolutely minimum would give a late day3 flyer for him.

I would absolutely do that if roles were reversed. When healthy and in he is still a top5/top10 CB

You may be right. When he is on the field he dramatically improves the secondary and makes the jobs of the DL/Edge guys easier. And they would "only" save $6.3 mil in cap space by cutting him. That doesn't seem like much if he still has gas in the tank.

He can certainly be a head case, but he's a great CB on the field. Even so, if you're right and someone offers a day 3 pick. Gluten would likely take it.

Looking back, it's too bad it didn't turn out. I seem to remember the Packers taking CBs in rounds 1 and 2 on more than one occasion. They finally find a guy who can play as an All Pro, and he's hurt a lot. Hey, maybe he can turn it around. Hope so.

 

[tynimiller]

So I will say I know a team has offered GB a 2026 conditional type thought…which I’m not a big fan of…I want Gute with draft ammo this draft…either to use to move around, just continue to surge and rotate in young guys hoping for that gem or two or to trade for players.

A conditional 2026 for Ja could be the absolute highest return chance though…say you have a team offer you a fifth or even a sixth but if Ja plays 14 or more games and it can become a third or say if he makes all pro or pro bowl it becomes a second…

I know I’m typically the crazy one but I’d rather have a fifth and sixth for him this year in hand than potentially less next year despite the risk of it being more

 

[Heyjoe4]

So I will say I know a team has offered GB a 2026 conditional type thought…which I’m not a big fan of…I want Gute with draft ammo this draft…either to use to move around, just continue to surge and rotate in young guys hoping for that gem or two or to trade for players.

A conditional 2026 for Ja could be the absolute highest return chance though…say you have a team offer you a fifth or even a sixth but if Ja plays 14 or more games and it can become a third or say if he makes all pro or pro bowl it becomes a second…

I know I’m typically the crazy one but I’d rather have a fifth and sixth for him this year in hand than potentially less next year despite the risk of it being more

Agreed. And Gluten needs more picks this year. I think he only has 7, or maybe 8 if there is a comp pick in there. But yeah, not a fan of a conditional pick next year. Need all the players possible this season.

And to a point you made, maybe they just keep JA around this year. Health is a concern with him until he can prove otherwise. But when he's healthy, he's clearly the best CB on the team - well, for now.....

 

[gopkrs]

I hate to say it because it's not a need. But that Alabama? linebacker sure looks interesting.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I hate to say it because it's not a need. But that Alabama? linebacker sure looks interesting.

Anything Gluten can do in FA or the draft (or a trade) to get more pressure on opposing QBs is good - and needed. Looks like Edgerrin Cooer is headed for Pro Bowl/All Pro - so why not add another prospect with similar capabilities?

So much will depend on what happens in FA, or a trade.

What is the name of the Alabama guy you mention?

 

[gopkrs]

Jihaad Campbell

 

[Heyjoe4]

Jihaad Campbell

Thanks gopkrs. Looked him up and he does look good. But we've been down the road with Alabama D players a lot (or Georgia).

Regardless, if the guy can play that's enough for me. And while Edge is a #2 priority right now behind CB, imo, nothing wrong with adding another guy who can pressure the QB, cover, and stop the run. (I know, who could ask for more from a LB prospect?)

Anyway, interesting candidate. But that first name..... The things parents do to their kids.......

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

So I will say I know a team has offered GB a 2026 conditional type though

That would be absolutely nuts to do for JA, unless that conditional includes a first or second rounder. If all they are getting (at best) is say a 5th or 6th rounder, if he plays 80% or more of all snaps, then meh. Roll the dice, try to redo his deal and if after August he is injured, not playing well or you have solid CB's with depth without him, than just release him.

 

[Wraith09]

I like Jihaad Campbell in the first. Anyone who can improve the pass rush and get to the ball faster is an improvement. I like several LBs projected throughout the draft. I don’t care for McDuffie. There’s enough talent in this draft to significantly upgrade that position.

 

[tynimiller]

That would be absolutely nuts to do for JA, unless that conditional includes a first or second rounder. If all they are getting (at best) is say a 5th or 6th rounder, if he plays 80% or more of all snaps, then meh. Roll the dice, try to redo his deal and if after August he is injured, not playing well or you have solid CB's with depth without him, than just release him.

Agree, only way I do that is last resort to just cutting him. I am fully in the camp of get something.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Agree, only way I do that is last resort to just cutting him. I am fully in the camp of get something.

Absolutely.

Teams that would be interested in giving something up for JA are kind of in the same boat as the Packers, but a boat that isn't quite as weighted down by such a huge cap hit. As a matter of fact, such team could also just see where JA is health wise when it is time to make the final cuts in Sept. and release him with no financial obligations if he isn't healthy.

I don't think many teams, including the Packers are questioning whether JA, if healthy, is a top 15 CB, because he is. What the question for everyone is, will he be healthy and stay relatively healthy for the 2025 season?

If this was an Aaron Jones "kind of guy", ie. a guy that is all about his team and teammates, a new contract would already be done and it would reflect the injury concerns. I just don't see JA as a guy that will settle for low end money, that only increases based on performance. So that might be the biggest hurdle, for any team that is interested in him, including the Packers.

 

[tynimiller]

Absolutely.

Teams that would be interested in giving something up for JA are kind of in the same boat as the Packers, but a boat that isn't quite as weighted down by such a huge cap hit. As a matter of fact, such team could also just see where JA is health wise when it is time to make the final cuts in Sept. and release him with no financial obligations if he isn't healthy.

I don't think many teams, including the Packers are questioning whether JA, if healthy, is a top 15 CB, because he is. What the question for everyone is, will he be healthy and stay relatively healthy for the 2025 season?

If this was an Aaron Jones "kind of guy", ie. a guy that is all about his team and teammates, a new contract would already be done and it would reflect the injury concerns. I just don't see JA as a guy that will settle for low end money, that only increases based on performance. So that might be the biggest hurdle, for any team that is interested in him, including the Packers.

I think if Ja was just two years older that conversation and extension/restructure happens. He is crazy, loud and flamboyant but many teammates say from a player to player aspect he is fine and some say great presence.

 

[gopkrs]

I have to admit it bugs me when people talk of Jaire as maybe not being the right kind of person. What the hell do any of you know? A couple immature pranks? He gives it his all when he is out there. To answer the next question... Obviously

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I have to admit it bugs me when people talk of Jaire as maybe not being the right kind of person. What the hell do any of you know? A couple immature pranks? He gives it his all when he is out there. To answer the next question... Obviously

I guess I have seen/read/heard enough of him (JA) actually not being the player that you see him as. My observations: He tends to take plays off, doesn't always hustle to where the ball is and it sounds like coaches are questioning his desire to be on the field, unless he feels that he is at 100%.

I think the viewpoints of teammates is much different than that of coaches and probably that of fans.

I'm not saying that I know all of what I said to be 100% true, but as a fan, sometimes you just have to go off of what you see and hear.

Honestly, if he was a guy making under $10M/year, I wouldn't really care what is up with him. However, he is one of the top 5 in salaries on the team and those are the guys that if they aren't contributing, can really hurt a team.

 

[gopkrs]

I guess I have seen/read/heard enough of him (JA) actually not being the player that you see him as. My observations: He tends to take plays off, doesn't always hustle to where the ball is and it sounds like coaches are questioning his desire to be on the field, unless he feels that he is at 100%.

I think the viewpoints of teammates is much different than that of coaches and probably that of fans.

I'm not saying that I know all of what I said to be 100% true, but as a fan, sometimes you just have to go off of what you see and hear.

Honestly, if he was a guy making under $10M/year, I wouldn't really care what is up with him. However, he is one of the top 5 in salaries on the team and those are the guys that if they aren't contributing, can really hurt a team.

Yeah. I think it's way overblown. Sort of like excuses.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Yeah. I think it's way overblown. Sort of like excuses.

Could be overblown, but the Packers seemed a bit frustrated with his injury status from week to week. Maybe I am too ******* JA because of the money he is being paid, but watch him (when he plays). He isn't a guy that will hustle to the ball, if the play is away from him.

Again, I am just making conjectures, but he made big bank and to me, he plays like it.