by Dylan Gantz
The 2025 NFL Draft is nearly here and in no better place than the home of the first 2 Super Bowls: Green Bay. The Packers are in an interesting spot as for the last couple of years the need at WR was not as much of an importance heading into the draft. This year, however, it’s important that the Packers find themselves a true WR1 and it can happen in this draft.
Along with the need at receiver, they also have a dire need at corner as Jaire Alexander, Nate Hobbs, and Keisean Nixon are the starting cornerbacks. Eric Stokes left in free agency and the defense struggled without having Alexander for the full season. Alexander has also been rumored to either be traded or released during the offseason and could put a bigger hole in the defensive back room.
So, looking into my crystal ball, here are my picks:
Round 1, Pick 23: The Green Bay Packers won’t select a receiver, instead going with the offensive tackle from Texas, Kelvin Banks Jr., to bolster their offensive Line.
With the loss of Josh Myers in free agency and the move from Elgton Jenkins from guard to center, the Packers will have a hole in the O-Line. Kelvin Banks, Jr. fits what the Packers have always looked when drafting a lineman, someone who looks like they can play guard. Banks is an athletic tackle that would fit with the Packers offensive schemes and fit well with the core they have.
Round 2, Pick 54: After passing on a receiver in the first round, the Packers grab one in the second round with Iowa State’s Jayden Higgins.
A perfect fit for what the Packers a looking for, Higgins has a big frame and the ability to go up and get contested throws. He would be a great option to potentially mold into the next WR1. His downside is that he won’t have the agility for sharp breaking routes, but if Jordan Love needs to make a big play, Higgins is the receiver to look for.
Round 3, Pick 87: The Packers fill their void in the defensive backfield by drafting cornerback from Virginia Tech, Dorian Strong.
Strong is elite in man-to-man coverage and has the ability to play well in zone. The way he plays physically at the line and the speed he has to keep up with receivers reminds me of the early seasons of Jaire Alexander, and with the defensive scheme fitting to defensive backs, Jeff Haffley would love a player like Strong. His one downside is that with too much aggression, he can get beat at the line every now and then.
Overall, the Packers are in an interesting spot. I believe all 3 guys can be stars and key pieces if the Packers make a Super Bowl run, as well as become key players in the current Packers core.
