Will draft picks help Packers run to daylight?

The 2025 NFL draft is in the books, and the Green Bay Packers have filled some of the needs that plagued them at the end of the 2024 season. The draft started with a bang with President and CEO Mark Murphy delivering a perfect explanation of Green Bay’s first round pick. It ended with Brad Paisley taking the stage and rocking the Lambeau faithful who stayed for all seven rounds. Here is a look at the guys Green Bay picked, and how we can expect them to fit in as the Packers chase a championship this fall. Matthew Golden Golden was a historic pick, because he was the first pick by the home team in Green Bay. He was also the first receiver drafted in the first round since 2002 as Murphy noted when he announced the selection. Golden is not just a cute anecdote. He’ll be expected to contribute and likely early in his career. Christian Watson is going to miss some time this season, and the Packers need some speed injected into their lineup. “You can’t teach 4.29,” coach Matt LaFleur said giddily in his post draft press conference. They’ll likely start him off slow, as they typically do with their rookies, but Golden is going to play, and they expect enough of him to make him a first round pick. Expect Golden to get some reps as the team’s “Z” receiver and also move inside to the slot. He can stretch the field vertically and horizontally. That positional versatility will give LaFleur plenty of opportunities to stress the opposing defense and make plays down the field. Anthony Belton The first surprise of the draft was a big one. Literally. “Big don’t get small,” Vice President of Player Personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan said. There will be no worries about “Big Escalade” getting small. Belton is 6 feet 6 inches and 335 pounds. The Packers insisted they think he can play tackle after the selection, but the likely scenario is Belton kicking inside to guard as a potential replacement for Sean Rhyan, whose contract expires at the end of 2025. Savion Williams After a surprise with Belton, general manager Brian Gutekunst pulled another rabbit out of his hat with the selection of Williams. “I did not expect to be up here talking about two receivers,” Gutekunst said at the conclusion of the third round. He’s right. The Packers likely saw Williams as a luxury. They see him as a traditional receiver first and foremost, but Williams has returned kicks, played in the backfield and taken reps as a wildcat quarterback. An easy comparison would be to think of the role the Packers once used Tyler Ervin in during his short stint in Green Bay. Williams should be able to impact the team as a kick returner and someone who gets manufactured touches as he learns the nuances of the receiver position. Barryn Sorrell If there’s a better story in the draft, I’m not sure what it is. Sorrell was picked in the fourth round and still in the green room after traveling to Green Bay. He walked over to the stadium and quickly met his new team and the media. He broke down in tears introducing his family to those at the podium. On the field? He’s not just some cute story. Sorrell is a punishing defensive lineman who should compete for snaps immediately on a group that was inconsistent a season ago. Collin Oliver Milt Hendrickson called Oliver a DPR, or designated pass rusher. He does have some positional versatility that could kick him back to linebacker if the Packers need him to do something like that. Early in his career, however, Oliver is going to be on the field in obvious passing situations to rush the passer. He wins with speed, something the Packers’ edge room needs more of. Warren Brinson Brinson was the first defensive lineman taken in this class when Green Bay called his name in the sixth round. He’ll rotate in on run downs, but the team does believe he has some juice to affect the passing game. Those are opportunities he’ll need to earn. Micah Robinson Robinson was the only cornerback taken in this class, leading to some questions about the future of Jaire Alexander. On the field, Robinson will be in competition to become one of the team’s core special teamers. He has experience doing that in college. John Williams Williams probably stuck out like a sore thumb in his college classes as he majored in aerospace engineering. On the football field, he stands out as well. He is another big man at 6-foot-4, 322 pounds. He’ll likely compete at the back end of the offensive line room on the interior, where the Packers struggled mightily to finish off the 2024 season.