The Green Bay Packers are making waves as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, with fresh projections and roster moves keeping fans on edge. The latest buzz? A seven-round mock draft from Sports Illustrated projects the Packers selecting a top Big Ten cornerback, Michigan’s Will Johnson, with their first-round pick at No. 23. This move signals a clear intent to bolster their secondary, addressing a critical need after a 2024 season where pass defense struggled at times. With the draft set to unfold in Green Bay, the excitement is palpable, and the team’s strategy is coming into focus. Let’s dive into the latest news, draft prospects, and what’s next for this storied franchise.
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Green Bay Packers Eye Defensive Upgrades
The Packers’ interest in Will Johnson isn’t just a rumor—it’s a calculated move. Johnson, a 6-foot-2, 202-pound corner, brings elite coverage skills and a knack for big plays, with four interceptions in 2024. His predraft visit to Green Bay, reported by SI, underscores the team’s focus on strengthening their pass defense. After a season where Jaire Alexander’s injuries and Eric Stokes’ inconsistency exposed vulnerabilities, adding a talent like Johnson could transform the secondary. The Packers’ defense, under coordinator Jeff Hafley, thrives on aggressive playmakers, and Johnson fits the mold perfectly.
But the draft talk doesn’t stop there. The Green Bay Packers are also linked to edge rushers like SMU’s Elijah Roberts, who visited recently. Roberts, with 17.5 sacks over two seasons, could add much-needed juice to the pass rush. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah also floated an SEC defensive tackle as a potential first-round target, noting Green Bay’s love for athletic front-seven players. With Devonte Wyatt’s future uncertain, a disruptive interior lineman could solidify the defensive core.
| Draft Prospect | Position | School | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will Johnson | CB | Michigan | 4 INTs (2024) |
| Elijah Roberts | EDGE | SMU | 17.5 sacks |
| Shemar Stewart | DL | Texas A&M | 10.5 TFLs |
Green Bay Packers’ Wide Receiver Dilemma
For years, fans have clamored for the Packers to draft a first-round wide receiver, a feat they haven’t accomplished since Javon Walker in 2002. The 2025 draft might finally break that streak. Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan and Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka, both predraft visitors, are generating serious buzz. McMillan, a 6-foot-5 target with silky route-running, could be the alpha receiver Jordan Love needs. Egbuka, with a school-record 204 receptions, offers reliability and explosiveness. Yahoo Sports’ mock draft even has the Packers grabbing Texas’ Matthew Golden at No. 23, citing his big-play potential.
The receiver room needs a shake-up. Christian Watson’s injury woes, Romeo Doubs’ suspension, and Dontayvion Wicks’ drop issues plagued the 2024 campaign. As Josh Jacobs noted at the Super Bowl, the young receivers have potential but lack a proven No. 1. General manager Brian Gutekunst, who once tried trading up for Justin Jefferson, seems poised to invest heavily in pass-catchers. Whether it’s a first-round splash or a Day 2 steal, expect Green Bay to prioritize weapons for Love.
Unexpected Moves and Hidden Gems
The Packers aren’t just banking on high-profile picks. They’re also exploring unique talents, like Canadian quarterback Taylor Elgersma, who won Canada’s version of the Heisman in 2024. Elgersma’s predraft visit, per SI, hints at Green Bay planning for life after Jordan Love’s backup, Sean Clifford. Drafting a developmental QB could secure the position for 2026 and beyond, especially with Love’s massive contract looming.
On the veteran front, the Packers hosted linebacker Isaiah Simmons, a former No. 8 overall pick, as reported by NFL Network. Simmons, with his freakish athleticism, could add depth to a thin linebacker corps featuring Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper. His special teams prowess, highlighted by a game-clinching blocked field goal in 2024, makes him an intriguing fit. These moves show Gutekunst’s knack for blending youth and experience.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler also spotlighted late-round “hidden gems” in his draft guide, “The Beast.” Prospects like Tulane cornerback Micah Robinson, with two interceptions in 2024, could be Day 3 steals. Gutekunst’s history of finding diamonds in the rough—think David Bakhtiari or Corey Linsley—suggests Green Bay will unearth talent beyond the first round.
Hosting the 2025 NFL Draft
Green Bay isn’t just preparing for picks—it’s hosting the entire 2025 NFL Draft, a historic moment for Titletown. Wisconsin airports are bracing for a surge, with Austin Straubel International expecting passenger numbers to double to 40,000 during draft week, per Yahoo Sports. Hotels in Milwaukee are already seeing a booking spike. The event, set for April 24-26, will draw an estimated 250,000 visitors, showcasing Green Bay’s football passion on a global stage. New nonstop flights from cities like Chicago and New York will make Titletown the epicenter of the NFL world.
This backdrop adds pressure on Gutekunst to deliver a draft class that elevates the Green Bay Packers to Super Bowl contention. After back-to-back playoff appearances, the Jordan Love era is in full swing, and the roster needs fine-tuning. Whether it’s a lockdown corner, a dynamic receiver, or a disruptive lineman, every pick counts.
Why This Draft Matters
The 2025 draft could define the Packers’ trajectory. With eight selections, fewer than recent years, every choice must hit. The secondary needs stability, the pass rush craves impact, and the offense demands playmakers. Gutekunst’s draft-and-develop philosophy, while criticized in a recent study ranking Green Bay’s drafts poorly over the last decade, has produced gems like Love and Jayden Reed. This year, he’ll aim to silence doubters.
For fans, the draft is a chance to dream big. Imagine Will Johnson locking down receivers, Tetairoa McMillan hauling in touchdowns, or Elijah Roberts terrorizing quarterbacks. Add a veteran like Simmons and a sleeper like Elgersma, and the Packers could have a roster ready to challenge the NFC’s elite. As the draft theater rises outside Lambeau Field, the anticipation is electric.
So, grab your cheesehead and buckle up. The Green Bay Packers are poised to make noise in 2025, and it all starts in their backyard. Will they finally land that first-round receiver? Can they shore up the defense? The answers are just days away, and Titletown is ready to roar.