The 1st Round of the 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and my oh my! I'm still in utter shock to know that the Packers nabbed a wide receiver in the 1st Round. I'm just waiting for the alarm to go off so I can wake up from this dream, it doesn't feel real at all. But it is real folks, former Texas WR Matthew Golden is now a Green Bay Packer. And based on the coverage he says he's ready to get to work immediately. How exciting is that? Like many of you, I thought the Packers were looking to trade out of 23rd Overall, possibly to 33rd Overall with the Browns (who are definitely winning if they can get Shedeur Sanders to kick off Friday). But they stayed pat, making a historic selection, which felt even more right in front of thousands of fans right there in historic Titletown. The timing couldn't have been any better. 

But wait....there's more! The Packers are going into Friday night with a "meager" 2 selections. This is not necessarily what Packers fans are used to lately, as General Manager Brian Gutekunst normally rides into the draft with 8, 9, and sometimes even 10 selections. But he's only got 2 this go round. With so few opportunities to hit, and the Packers' roster needing an injection of talent in key spots rather than guys that may take some time to growth, I'm more than a little interested to see how this plays out. Sure, everyone's ecstatic about Golden, but your favorite armchair GM feels that Day 2 is where the draft really comes together for some teams. For some onlookers, you just almost "know" right off the bat that some of these prospects will be impact roleplayers and possibly even starters sooner rather than later.

So what do the Packers need? The "experts" have been saying defensive tackle is of great need, but I think Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden will get all the opportunities they can handle to see if there's a chance they'll stick for the long term. Let's not forget, Devonte Wyatt was starting to come on strong down the stretch. Jaire Alexander is still a member of this team, and the more time goes on, it looks like he'll remain a Packer until 2026, so it wouldn't shock me to see them pass on a corner either. The linebacker room is thin, which leads me to believe that there may be an attempt to find one more reputable piece to add to that group. Or perhaps Isaiah Simmons is the backup plan? Lastly, I know about half of you have given up on Jordan Morgan already, but Rasheed Walker is a pending free agent as well. There are a lot of good tackles on the board still; it wouldn't necessarily be a bad idea to snag one if they hang around too long. I'm fickle on this edge class, but I know some will want an addition there as well. But as for me, "In Haf I Trust", let him have another year with Lukas Van Ness before pushing the reset button. 

I hopped around my board a little, and found 22 enticing players that could be in play for the Packers Friday night....but of course, what do I know?

Aireontay Ersery, OT - Minnesota

He's a little outside the Packers' thresholds, but the Packers also just took a 5'11 "wide receiver in the 1st Round. Don't tell me what's not possible. Ersery might have the nastiest mentality in the draft class; he doesn't stop until you're on the ground. He's a smooth operator in the run game, and if you need him to get to the second level, he'll do it almost every time. 38 starts in the BigTen ain't too shabby either. I

Marcus Mbow, OG - Purdue

Mbow is probably the most technically sound IOL in the class. He needs to put on a little more weight, but he's got swing tackle appeal as is. Simply put, Mbow makes even elite defenders look just "good".

Will Johnson, CB - Michigan

Two months ago, Will Johnson was CB2 in the class. Unfortunately, injury concerns have taken the wind out of his draft stock's sails. But Johnson's unique combination of size, length, physicality, and versatility should be too good to pass up for many a team Friday night.

Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge - Boston College

He's not a traditional fit for the Packers either, but he's long and explosive. If he can add a bit more muscle to hold up against the run, he'll be an every-down player for a long time. Did I mention he has some coverage ability too?

Benjamin Morrison, CB - Notre Dame

Morrison might be the most technically sound corner in this class. He's scheme diverse and he loves to get physical with WRs in press-man. He's got some injury concerns as well, so it's anyone's guess who goes first between him and Michigan's Will Johnson.

Jayden Higgins, WR - Iowa State

Higgins fits the mold of the "usual suspects" for Packers' wide receivers, but his long speed and separation are questionable. He makes up for it with a better-than-good release package and a high IQ. 

Kevin Winston Jr., S - Penn State

Two years ago, Kevin Winston Jr. would have probably been a Top-20 pick, but an injury derailed his Senior season at Penn State. If you go purely off the 2023 film, you've got a safety who can play at either spot, plus slot, is a ballhawk, and an exceptional tackler. He's not a need for the Packers at all, but he's an absolute baller.

Darrien Porter, CB - Iowa State

As a converted WR, Porter is more potential than production right now. In his current form, he's got a good understanding of tracking the ball, challenging at the catch point, and staying in phase. With elite athleticism (9.99 RAS), he's not a hard horse to bet on.

Azareye'h Thomas, CB - Florida State

Thomas is a little rough around the edges, but he's at his best as a press man corner, and he makes the receiver earn every single rep. His best position might be in the slot, but that's a starting gig in today's NFL.

Elic Ayomanor, WR - Stanford

In a class full of slot and "Z" wideouts, Ayomanor provides relief with as a proven weapon at the "X" wideout position. Ayomanor can take it the distance every time he touches the ball and is an outstanding blocker downfield in the run game.

Cameron Williams, OT - Texas

Cameron Williams is probably 1 year away from being an All-Pro tackle. But right now he's got excellent length (34.5" arms) and he moves well in space. With an improved anchor after an offseason in an NFL weight room, Williams will be a major problem for any edge rusher in the league.

J.T. Tuimoloau, DE - Ohio State

J.T.'s best position in the NFL is probably as a 4-3 defensive end, but he's got some 3-4 outside linebacker appeal as well. He converts speed to power as good as the best of them. If somebody can teach him to really use his hands, he'll be a real terror.

Omarr Norman-Lott, DT - Tennessee

Norman-Lott is not the best athlete, but he plays with passion on every snap. He's equal parts run stuffer and pass rusher, and he can play at a variety of alignments. He's a quality reserve right now, but he's got the potential to become a real starter down the road.

Nohl Williams, CB - California

You won't find too many press-man corners in the class better than Nohl Williams. He's got to clean up his technique a little bit, but the production (14 INTs) is hard to say no to.

Jack Sawyer, Edge - Ohio State

Sawyer does an excellent job setting the edge, but his pass-rush skills need real work. And yet, he still gets to the quarterback anyway (9 sacks in 2024). In the right situation, Sawyer is a perennial Pro Bowler down the line at worst.

Darius Alexander, DT - Toledo

Darius Alexander has received comps similar to Jalen Carter's, but he hasn't put it together for one reason or another. He's excellent at doing the dirty work and taking on the double team. I'd like to see him get better as a pass rusher though.

Tai Felton, WR - Maryland

Felton might be the next best "X" receiver after Ayomanor. His release package leaves something to be desired, but he faces zone or off man coverage, be prepared for a home run.

Landon Jackson, DE - Arkansas

On paper, Landon Jackson is everything you're looking for in a scheme-diverse defensive lineman. He's a little stiff though. Either way, he does a lot of the little things when it comes to rushing the passer and stopping the run, which should make him enticing for teams looking for "high floor" prospects.

Ozzy Trapilo, OT - Boston College

Part Two of 2025 Joseph's Gems, Trapilo is a self-proclaimed "Steady Eddy" who will plug in at RT and provide excellent protection while adding major value in the run game.

Dorian Strong, CB - Virginia Tech

Part One of 2025 Joseph's Gems, Strong is the backup today and the starter tomorrow. He's a former WR who's developed the necessary instincts to thrive defensively on the boundary. 

T.J. Sanders, DT - South Carolina

Sanders is a small project that's more ready against the run than the pass right now. He's got a quick first step, but nothing to go with it currently. But when he beats his man, the offense will consider themselves lucky if they don't lose any yards on the play.

Demetrius Knight Jr. - South Carolina

Part Four of 2025 Joseph's Gems, Demetrius is probably LB3 in this year's class. He's a little older and not necessarily a stellar athlete, but his instincts as a former QB help him sniff out either the run or the pass almost every time.

Samuel Brown Jr., WR - Miami

A former teammate of new Packer Matthew Golden at Houston, Samuel took his talents to Coral Gables and just couldn't make any noise. This is more projection than anything, but I see him in a similar mold to Golden, he can line up anywhere, but what makes him stick out is his ability to high-point the ball and win contested catches. His route running is advanced, and he's got reliable hands. He might be one of the biggest sleepers at his position.

22 players, but only 2 picks (for now). Could the next Packers come from this shortlist? Or maybe none of these players will become Packers. Which do you think is more likely? Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft begins at 6 pm Central, 7 pm Eastern. I'll see you all back on Saturday for the Day 3 Targets.

#GPG