The Green Bay Packers are currently sitting near the top of the NFC, poised for another deep playoff run. With a potent offense led by Jordan Love, supported by a reliable run game and emerging receivers, the Packers have become one of the best teams in the NFL. However, their defense, while effective, could use some reinforcements this offseason, particularly at cornerback and edge rusher​.

Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, the Packers are projected to pick late in the first round, consistent with their strong season finish. Let’s explore how 5 standout college prospects could address the Packers' key needs and elevate their roster to elite status.

1. Shavon Revel Jr. (CB, East Carolina)

Shavon Revel Jr. is one of the more explosive and physical cornerbacks to emerge in college football. Since transferring to ECU in 2022, Revel has established himself as a defensive anchor, earning second-team All-American Athletic Conference honors in 2023. His stats include 3 interceptions, 12 pass breakups, and a standout play in 2024—a 50-yard pick-six against Appalachian State. Unfortunately, Revel's 2024 season was cut short due to a torn ACL. Despite this setback, he declared for the 2025 NFL Draft in November and remains highly sought after due to his unique combination of size, athleticism, and instinct.

2. Benjamin Morrison (CB, Notre Dame)

Benjamin Morrison burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2022, leading Notre Dame with 6 interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. Over his three seasons with the Fighting Irish, he has amassed 9 interceptions and numerous pass deflections, becoming a cornerstone of Notre Dame's defense. In fact, before the season-ending hip injury he suffered midway through the 2024 season, he’d allowed just 12 catches for 125 yards and 0 touchdowns on 27 targets. His ability to read quarterbacks, anticipate routes, and disrupt plays consistently has made him one of the nation's most feared defensive backs and a surefire first-round NFL Draft pick in 2025.

3. Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)

Hairston’s meteoric rise at Kentucky has turned a lot of heads, particularly his prowess as a playmaker. After finishing fifth in the country with 5 interceptions in 2023, Hairston has again been instrumental in Kentucky’s defense in 2024, consistently matching up against elite SEC wide receivers. In September, he helped limit Georgia’s high-calibre offense to just 13 points and he’s already recorded 2 forced fumbles, an interception and a sack on the year, despite missing nearly half the season with a shoulder injury. His style of play and versatility have drawn comparisons to current NFL stars, making him one of the most exciting CBs in this draft class​.

4. Nic Scourton (Edge, Texas A&M)

The Packers' pass rush, while respectable, lacks a true playmaker behind Rashan Gary. Standing at 6'4" and weighing 280 pounds, Scourton combines size, strength, and athleticism, making him a force on the defensive line. He led the Big Ten in sacks (10) during the 2023 season at Purdue, earning him a Second-Team All-Big Ten selection. Then, he transitioned seamlessly to Texas A&M, further solidifying his reputation as an elite defensive prospect. He has already been praised for his pro-ready frame and advanced pass-rushing techniques, drawing comparisons to NFL star Cameron Jordan. Scourton’s relentless motor and polished pass-rushing moves could immediately impact Green Bay’s defensive front.

5. J.T. Tuimoloau (Edge, Ohio State)

Since committing to Ohio State in 2021, Tuimoloau has steadily developed into one of the nation’s premier defenders. In 2022, he delivered a breakout performance with 28 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks, complemented by 2 interceptions and multiple forced turnovers. In 2023, he earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors, recording 38 tackles, 5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. In 2024, he has 38 tackles, 19 solo stops, and a career-best 6 sacks​. Being such a versatile edge rusher who can dominate both as a pass rusher and run defender, Tuimoloau easily projects to be a 2025 first-round pick and could be the perfect fit for the Packers. 

Why These Prospects Fit the Packers' Needs

Green Bay’s late first-round pick means they must identify players who not only fill positional needs but also provide immediate value. At cornerback, finding a complement to Jaire Alexander is crucial for matching up against the NFL’s elite passing attacks, particularly with Eric Stokes likely to be playing elsewhere next season. Meanwhile, at edge rusher, the Packers need fresh legs to sustain their pass-rushing productivity and protect against injuries.

Revel Jr. and Morrison bring shutdown capabilities and versatility to the secondary, while Hairston offers playmaking and speed. On the defensive front, Scourton and Tuimoloau represent different but equally exciting options to bolster Green Bay's pass rush. Both positions are critical for sustaining long-term success and ensuring the Packers remain among the NFC’s elite.

Can You Bet on Who the Packers Will Pick in the Draft?

The best part about following the NFL Draft is that you don’t have to just sit back and watch—if you have a strong feeling about who Green Bay will select, you can actually place a bet on it. This means you can find the best online sportsbook that fits your needs and wager on everything from which position the Packers will address first to which specific player they’ll pick.

For example, during the lead-up to the draft, you might find bets available on which position the Packers will select (cornerback, edge rusher, etc.) or even specific player options like Shavon Revel Jr., Benjamin Morrison, or J.T. Tuimoloau. As the draft date nears, these markets are updated with new odds based on player performances, team needs, and draft rumors. If you’re confident in your predictions, placing a bet on who Green Bay will choose could be an exciting way to engage with the draft process and make your own predictions a reality.