2025 NFL Draft: The Reasons Behind the Picks
Trusting your board.
By KenLass
It’s not always easy to believe an NFL general manager when he steps to the podium in a pre-draft news conference and says he feels no urgency to improve any particular area of his team. That he is going to stick to his board and select the best player available. But skeptics aside, that’s what Green Bay’s Brian Gutekunst appeared to do through at least the first two days of the 2025 draft.
Round One, Pick #23 – Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The first round did not play out particularly well for the Packers. There was no long run on a specific position, allowing the top prospects at other slots to be available at pick 23. Remember last year the run on quarterbacks and linemen resulted in the top safety (Javon Bullard) and top linebacker (Edgerrin Cooper) falling to Green Bay.
This year the picks prior to the Packers’ selection were balanced and spread out. By the time Brian Gutekunst was on the clock, the top four defensive linemen, top four edge rushers, top three tackles, top two guards, and top three receivers were all gone. One by one, the names most connected to Green Bay flew off the board, including Tet McMillan, Kenneth Grant, Walter Nolen, Shemar Stewart, Emeka Egbuka and Jahdae Barron. Perhaps an indicator of the overall softness of this year’s talent pool, at least at the top.
That shifted Gutekunst squarely into “best player available” mode, which, for Gutey, can be more accurately described as “best potential available”. True to form, he went with Matthew Golden, a player with delicious potential, but lacking in impressive college career stats. Sound familiar? Like maybe Rashan Gary? Quay Walker? Lukas Van Ness?
The Golden pick has the specter of Christian Watson all over it. Watson, the designated field-stretcher, will reach the end of his four-year rookie deal after this season, a season in which he may not even play until December. Matthew Golden is Christian Watson, but with better hands and more route versatility, and perhaps a smidge more speed. He can also return kicks. Unable to see a defensive lineman, or edge rusher, or tackle with a first round grade at number 23, Gutekunst decided to fill a role player spot. “A few teams called” offering an opportunity to trade back, but clearly no one was offering enough value.
Golden could surprise and develop into a true number one receiver, but I suspect he is more likely to become the latest upgraded version of Marquez Valdes-Scantling. That’s not a bad thing. It is the kind of weapon Jordan Love will need. But it’s unfair to expect him to be a game changing star, at least not immediately.
Round Two, Pick #54 – Anthony Belton, T, North Carolina State
It must have been a bit frustrating for Gutekunst to sit patiently through the second round and watch the rival Bears pick three times. Lacking a multitude of extra picks with which to move up or down, Gutey had to stay in place and let the round come to him. The memory of how his offensive line melted down in the playoff game against Philadelphia once injuries struck was fresh. With two more defensive tackles, and four more edge rushers coming off the board in front of him in the round, Gutekunst decided building O-line depth was his best option at pick 54. In Belton, the Packers get a massive body with surprising quickness.
When you take an offensive lineman in the second round you expect him to at least push somebody for a starting job. Belton is not a pro left tackle, and won’t beat out Zach Tom at right tackle. So Green Bay likely wants him to compete with Sean Rhyan at right guard. Ranked the fifteenth best tackle by the CHTV draft guide, Belton has much to learn. But the front office sees him as a potential (there’s that word again) path-clearer for Josh Jacobs and the run game.
Round Three, Pick #87 – Savion Williams, WR, TCU
The third round saw a run on cornerbacks. Six of them were called before Green Bay’s selection at number 87, plus three more defensive tackles and three more edges. With those positions depleted, Gutekunst sticks to his draft board and continues to focus on offense, specifically, trying to make it more balanced and explosive. He goes with Williams, whose skill set is being described as “unique”. The Packers cherish versatility, and the former Horned Frog exudes that. Matt LaFleur gets a tall weapon he can put in the backfield as a change of pace runner, or send out wide as a receiver who can break tackles after the catch. The jet sweep was made for him.
He drops a lot of passes. The Packers certainly have had experience with that. But they see him as a Deebo Samuel, Cordarelle Patterson type player, maybe even a Randall Cobb.
With two receivers in his first three selections, Gutekunst is also serving notice to the current pass catchers. Last year wasn’t good enough. The Packers have created a dogfight for roster spots at receiver. Exactly the way they like it.
Round Four, Pick #124 – Barryn Sorrell, Edge, Texas
You can only stick faithfully to BPA for so long. If you haven’t been able to address your most glaring weaknesses in the first two days, you have to start drafting need on Saturday. Gutekunst knew it had to be defensive tackle, edge or corner in round four. He chose pass rusher Barryn Sorrell, who somehow magically appeared in person to the roars of the crowd. Sorrell dropped to day three because he lacks exceptional talent and speed, but coaches and general managers love his kind, because he never quits on a play, and will make spectacular tackles on sheer effort. His tape is full of examples of being engulfed by an offensive lineman, but fighting his butt off to get free and get to the ball.
The Packers see him as a positive influence in the locker room, and a hustle guy who can push Lukas Van Ness into reaching his potential. No doubt Gutey also noted that Sorrell is an ascending player, who got more productive each year of college.
Round Five, Pick #159 – Collin Oliver, Edge/LB, Oklahoma State
Gutekunst figured he was deep enough in the draft to take a gamble on a player who missed most of the 2024 season with a foot injury, but who, if adequately healed, could be an effective third down pass rusher. He played off ball and edge at Okie State, and the front office also likes him for special teams. The Packers watched him closely at the Senior Bowl and the combine, and judged him healthy enough.
Similar to the message the team is sending to its current receivers, the pass rushers have to feel the heat of two hungry, high effort rookies coming in to compete for playing time. Gutekunst saw the twitch and burst of Oliver’s rush prior to the injury, when he averaged over seven sacks per season through his first three college years. It’s the classic high risk, high reward selection, but in the fifth round the risk is less frightening.
Round Six, Pick #198 – Warren Brinson, DT, Georgia
When you’re late in the draft and you’re looking for diamonds in the rough, it’s never a bad idea to stick with the top college programs. Chances are, an average player at a great school is going to be a better prospect than a guy who stars for a small school. And, of course, Gutekunst’s fondness for Georgia athletes is well established. The Packers need a replacement, make that an improvement, for the departure of TJ Slaton. Brinson is a raw talent much in the vein of Slaton in his rookie year. Gutekunst sees a big guy with a quick first step who’s got some pass rush but lacks enough power to hold up against the run.
He is likely counting on fellow former Dawg Devonte Wyatt, from whom big things are expected and needed this year, to take Brinson under his wing. The rookie will also learn the ropes from the unit’s leader Kenny Clark who, by the way, may be entering his final year in green and gold. Gutey’s best case scenario would be for this 6’ 5”, 315 pounder to develop into a replacement for Clark, rather than Slaton. That’s a long shot, but Brinson’s long term goal is to be a TV sports analyst. The Packers are hoping he can put on a show on the field before he steps into the studio.
Round Seven, Pick #237 – Micah Robinson, CB, Tulane
Sold himself to the staff when the Packers brought him in for a pre-draft interview. No other team brought him in. Gutekunst saw a scrappy ballhawk type who reminded him of another seventh round corner, Carrington Valentine, who, as it stands at the moment, figures to start this fall. Robinson’s ticket to a roster spot may come down to whether he has the versatility to play in the slot as well as on the perimeter. The Packers feel he can back up Javon Bullard inside, and support Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs and Valentine outside. He will have to excel on special teams as well.
The Packers would have liked to address the cornerback position much earlier than round seven, but Gutey didn’t see enough value when he was on the clock in the first five rounds.
Round Seven, Pick #250 – John Williams, OL, Cincinnati
The Packers get a guy with the physical size to play but who needs a lot of work on technique. Gutekunst saw a prospect who has played a lot of left tackle, having started 27 games at that spot. Gutey said after the draft it is unusual to find a lineman who can play both tackle and guard in the seventh round. Called him really smart and said he could even play center if he had to.
Expecting that kind of versatility is probably a bit optimistic. He’s not Adam Timmerman or Mark Tauscher, but if the coaches can get him to improve his hand work and bull rush vulnerability, he could definitely join the competition at guard.
SUMMARY
This draft didn’t fall in a way that allowed the Packers to address their most vital needs in the early rounds. So they went offense early and defense late. Probably the opposite of their preference. Still, the reason Green Bay finished last season on a three game losing streak was because of a sputtering offense, not defense. In that sense, this draft may have broken just right for them. There were no quarterbacks, no running backs, tight ends, safeties or inside linebackers taken. That tells you it is the players at those positions the team considers to be its core and its strength, the players being counted on to lead them to a deep playoff run.
This draft likely didn’t provide a single new starter. That’s the way it should be for a playoff team that already has a quality line up. But this was a fresh infusion of good culture guys who will get their chance to contribute, and the team will need solid productivity from them if they are to compete in the NFC.
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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
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Comments (66)
PackEyedOptimist
April 28, 2025 at 06:25 am
I agree with the subtitle that this was about "trusting your board."
Hopefully. their board is accurate/good.
The two offensive linemen are real departures from Green Bay's history. Both are big, and have been successful, but lack the athletic movement skills of recent picks like Tom and Jenkins. Maybe Rasheed Walker's success convinced them to go this direction.
The edges are similarly interesting: productive but less physically impressive than recent choices. Both seem more like LBs than DEs. Probably good for special teams if nothing else.
I'm extremely curious to see how Savion Williams does with a good QB and LaFleur's offense. People compare him to Cordarelle Patterson, but I see more Randy Moss. He's not as fast as Moss, but he makes splashy, unique, "Wow" plays. Really, he mostly reminds me of a cross between Eric Dickerson and Chuck Foreman.
I'm not worried about his hands, as he made MANY amazing catches--his drops were more a result of inconsistent and inaccurate passes in my opinion. At worst, he will demand attention and usually double coverage, because his ability to make the first man miss the tackle is top-notch. He's the kind of player that can put a team over the top.
If you haven't watched it, I HIGHLY recommend googling and watching this on youtube: "Just The Tape TCU WR Savion Williams EVERY 2024 Target & Touch" (I can't post the link for some reason)
Watch his "drops" closely: almost ALL of them are inaccurate throws--mostly behind him. His "drop" on the bomb against Baylor was inches BEYOND HIS REACH--it was a great play to TOUCH the pass. On a few, the QB eyeballs him so badly that he has three defenders hitting him as the ball arrives. On one drop, the defender makes a great play, punching it out--that will happen.
He regularly had to go high or low, and usually he made the catch. He RARELY had a well-placed ball except on screens, where defenders were in his face.
I can't WAIT to see him with a good QB!
davekenya
April 28, 2025 at 10:59 pm
Savion Williams thoughts
In watching the youtube Savion Williams summary, here are some 'off the cuff' observations:
General:
The vast majority of plays involving Williams occurred within the first 10 yards of LOS. Maybe a reflection of underconfidence in the QB or OL to protect? Dunno - I didn't follow TCU. SW is more of a straight line speed guy; I didn't see any wiggle/twitch. He's stronger rather than quicker.
He could get some gadget plays, but when he's in the lineup, D's will know this is coming...as I didn't see him used that much as a downfield threat. As such, D's will stack the line when he's in and clog possible run avenues.
He could be very valuable in 3rd/4th and short. Either gadget or quick WR screens and watch him fight/break tackles for that <5 years needed for a first down.
I actually think he could be 'off the charts dangerous' if GB let him develop his QB throwing skills. His few passes on this reel were on target; I guess he was a HS QB. As such, if he could do some RPO, Ds would have to play him honest and not put 8 in the box. Would really open things up. But this would be year 2 or 3 stuff; not rookie year.
I see him as a guy who'll get you up to 15 yards tops with 'quick hitters' but less as a 'down the field threat to catch it' kinda guy. Which isn't necessarily bad. Used exclusively as a runner, I think he'll be limited as he doesn't show wiggle or quick change of direction a runner often needs to get larger chunks of yardage (I'm seeing the ghost of Ty M abit) His film shows a lot of effort and strength getting a few extra yards. Remember, NFL players are bigger and stronger than college guys...so this advantage gap will decrease for him.
Will love to be proved wrong; I'm just sharing observations from his game film. He will also do better with a MLF offense where he can be disguised more. Watching the TCU film, it was clear to the universe that when he was taking direct snaps, he was going to run. As such, Ds prepped for this and NFL Ds will be way more ready/on top of this. MLF will need to use more guise and trickery where it's not apparent how SW will be used on any particular play for him to have some effectiveness in the offense.
Details:
Good: Nice spin moves and change of direction (9 minute and 15 minute marks)
Bad: easy catch drops (2) just after the 2 minute mark and 3 minute mark.
Ugly: at 12:15 mark -- just don't watch. Please don't. You'll immediately recall the first pass thrown to Watson against MN 1st game of his rookie year.
GregC
April 28, 2025 at 06:27 am
This is the first time I've heard Matthew Golden compared to Rashan Gary, Quay Walker, Lukas Van Ness, and Marques Valdez-Scantling. And probably the last.
PackEyedOptimist
April 28, 2025 at 07:05 am
Credit for a funny comment, but I agree with Ken's analogy. :-)
GregC
April 28, 2025 at 09:53 am
I don't agree with Ken's analogy at all. Golden finished last season with 9 touchdowns and 987 yards. Is that not enough? Best of all, the bulk of his production was late in the season against the best competition.
The comparison to Marques Valdez-Scantling is based on speed. I see way more versatility and route-running skills from Golden than I ever saw from MVS. Also, MVS is 4-5 inches taller and is a long strider who does not have anything like Golden's ability to change direction, accelerate, and decelerate. Comparing receivers just because they are fast is a lazy narrative. When I watch clips of Golden, I see Greg Jennings, not MVS.
Coldworld
April 28, 2025 at 09:24 am
Golden is a Z who can break defenders with agility and burn them for speed, but he’s not going to do it like Watson and is nothing like him other than he’s fast and has two legs.
The highest upside is Greg Jennings with elite speed. That’s pretty high, but it’s going to require him to be a lot more physical if he's playing the perimeter. If he’s playing the slot, then Reed is off the field or out of position where he has struggled.
Bitternotsour
April 28, 2025 at 09:35 am
Greg Jennings with MORE speed. Greg Jennings got deep. I think the personal animosity with AR and his um, free-thinking sister have adversely colored our vision of what Greg was - a supremely talented route runner, fearless through the middle of the field, and the best, most disciplined hands in the NFL. The man could also go deep.
If Golden is 80% of that it's a great first round pick, if he is the full-deal, damn, that's a draft pick.
Coldworld
April 28, 2025 at 12:27 pm
Jennings did get deep, but he was never Golden fast. He was Savion Williams fast, which is plenty fast enough to get deep with a little craft.
If Golden is what he was drafted for, he should be able to do more after the catch if he’s either open or has broken free. Jennings was, of course, very good at sliding away from defenders, but Golden is billed as being so too.,
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 28, 2025 at 01:05 pm
What do you think of the coaches takes that Golden can play all the wide receiver spots? I think it was his college coach.
[email protected]
April 28, 2025 at 12:51 pm
Comparing him to MVS is about the most ridiculous comment I’ve heard about this kid, time to move on from this “expert”.
dblbogey
April 28, 2025 at 04:49 pm
He compares him to Christian Watson, except with better hands and route running and slightly better speed, which sounds pretty awesome, but then compares him to MVS and says none of the draft picks will be starters? Loved the article, but this part seems odd.
Grandfathered
April 28, 2025 at 07:49 pm
Watson is a better blocker?
TKWorldWide
April 28, 2025 at 06:42 am
I’d wager that Belton was ranked higher than the 15th tackle on GUTEKUNST’S board. (No disrespect to the CHTV board.)
PackEyedOptimist
April 28, 2025 at 07:04 am
Exactly, TKW. I'm also curious to see how John Williams does--he doesn't seem much different than Belton. I think both could develop into starters--IF they develop.
Coldworld
April 28, 2025 at 12:32 pm
Moves to learn C quietly is my bet. I prefer Donovan Jennings on paper and film as a G. Jennings was a UDFA last year who got hurt, but he’s a 220+ pounder who got a guaranteed 100k from us.
Alberta_Packer
April 28, 2025 at 12:51 pm
To better understand why Belton was taken in the 2nd round just google :
2025 Senior Bowl Day 1 National OL vs DL 1 on 1 Trench Battles!
NickPerry
April 28, 2025 at 07:06 am
"Golden could surprise and develop into a true number one receiver, but I suspect he is more likely to become the latest upgraded version of Marquez Valdes-Scantling. That’s not a bad thing."
What? No Ken, he's not an upgraded MVS. This kid reminds me of Greg Jennings only FASTER. He was at Texas one season and by the end of the season he WAS playing like a #1. This kid is silk smooth in and out of his breaks and like Jennings, has great hands. MVS had shit hands. Christian Watson had shit hands. Matthew Golden has great hands.
Guam
April 28, 2025 at 08:30 am
If Golden is just an upgraded version of MVS, both Gute and the DIC got their pre-draft evaluations seriously wrong. I never like to evaluate a draft two days after it has happened (I will wait the obligatory three years) but I will be very surprised if Golden is just a "role player".
BTW NP, I am not sure I would put Watson's hands in the same category as MVS's hands. Watson doesn't have great hands, but I think he is significantly better than MVS.
Coldworld
April 28, 2025 at 09:33 am
He’s nothing like MVS. He’s fast, small, but agile with a great catch radius for his size and great hands. MVS was a laterally challenged tall long striding speedster. The comparison is based on what? Speed? Then Reed is MVS’ doppelgänger by comparison!
Guam
April 28, 2025 at 02:12 pm
I was scratching my head at the comparison to MVS. Speed is about the only common ground MVS and Golden have. I normally like this author's stuff, but he made some very poor observations in this piece with the MVS - Golden comparison the worst.
Coldworld
April 28, 2025 at 12:35 pm
Watson has good hands, he just never had to catch over the shoulder passes and still hasn’t mastered them truly. That’s a skill that rarely comes purely naturally. MVS was a hands catcher instinctively, though he improved.
Guam
April 28, 2025 at 02:08 pm
I think you meant MVS was a BODY catcher instinctively though he improved...?? And yes, Watson has decent hands, particularly on crossers where he can face the ball.
Bitternotsour
April 28, 2025 at 09:17 am
High praise. Greg Jennings was a master craftsman, exquisite route running and perhaps the most disciplined late hands I'd ever seen. He never seemed to give away that the ball was in flight, nor that it was in his sights. Greg Jennings helped make Aaron Rodgers an awful lot of money.
dobber
April 28, 2025 at 09:19 am
People need to go look at stats and see how obscenely productive Jennings was in college. Tremendous production and volume.
Bitternotsour
April 28, 2025 at 09:39 am
exactly, truly one of ted's great picks. i won't hear any slander of greg Jennings. that dude was a full package.
also, to his great credit, Greg saw Aaron Rodgers for exactly who he was. He was the first to publicly bring attention to AR's narcissism.
EricTorkelson
April 29, 2025 at 08:08 am
OK Bitter on Rodgers and narcissism ! There is a series on Netflix about AR called ( Enigma )
i would encourage posters on CCHD to watch ! There is a lot to learn about AR and his relationship with his Father, Ultra Religious family, and the dishonest media. I was in your camp Bitter I was confused with ARs behavior witch appears to be related to proving himself to be worthy and an obsession with football and winning. And from that show I got some answers. Its a good watch.
Coldworld
April 28, 2025 at 12:41 pm
I don’t see anyone disrespecting Jennings. Jennings was a technician who had speed and wonderful fluidity of movement. Just not elite speed: a 4.48 40 is not close to Golden’s. It’s a match for Williams’ though. If he plays to his testing then that should enable Golden to do things in space that Jennings couldn’t. That’s just stating a fact (if Golden lives up to his testing).
Vachio
April 28, 2025 at 10:07 am
I was thinking the same thing. There's literally NOTHING on Golden's tape that reminds me of MVS at all.
stockholder
April 28, 2025 at 07:28 am
I see Golden as a New starter.
And the reasons behind the picks were obvious.
Injuries changed the Teams outlook.
The guys that they depended on, forgot one thing.
Make money while you can.
The movements and the changes in the NFL.
Tell everyone- Here today gone tomorrow.
MooPack
April 28, 2025 at 08:08 am
“ and top three receivers were all gone.”
golden was the 3rd WR taken, and by many accounts the best receiver.
“ no running backs, tight ends, safeties or inside linebackers taken.”
I’d argue there is a very good chance Oliver is an ILB first and a situational edge second, regardless what they say. Likely the “ try him here first” argument.
Otherwise a good summary. Thanks Ken.
TKWorldWide
April 28, 2025 at 08:34 am
Must have included Travis Hunter along with Tet and Emeka. But, yeah, that registered with me too.
MooPack
April 28, 2025 at 08:51 am
Yeah, I figured the freak is playing CB first and WR situationally. Hard to see anyone going full time at both.
Packerpasty
April 28, 2025 at 01:13 pm
not in the NFL...he wouldn't have a very long career..
dobber
April 28, 2025 at 09:07 am
"I’d argue there is a very good chance Oliver is an ILB first and a situational edge second, regardless what they say. "
I think that's the longer-term plan for him, yes. They need to develop his off-ball skills, but until then he'll need to be able to play STs to be active on game day and that creates the opportunity to plug him in for limited snaps as a pass-rush specialist. I think he ends up pushing Kristian Welch off the roster.
Coldworld
April 28, 2025 at 09:40 am
I think he’s Fackrell reborn (Fackrell was not much heavier). He’s a player who will drop into coverage a lot, allowing them to mess with OLs. When he goes they will be trying to get open lanes for him as often as possible or using him to close on the QB others have flushed out, something we’ve been unable to do far too often. I do think we will see him operate inside sometimes, but in largely the same way. I do not think they are envisaging him ever becoming a regular down ILB. If we picked one of those up it’s the even faster Dumas-Johnson.
HarryHodag
April 28, 2025 at 08:32 am
Tom Silverstein at the Journal-Sentinel has a good article on why the Packers went heavy on offense when many(including me) thought they would go heavily defensive.
The Aaron Banks signing now makes more sense to me. They want more offense this year according to Silverstein. Specifically, more run offense and they needed bigger guys, ala Philadelphia. They also want more out of their receiving corps.
If you can read it it clarifies much.
dobber
April 28, 2025 at 08:41 am
I read it before coming here, too, and while it sounds like vindication it reads more like rationalization.
PackfanNY
April 28, 2025 at 08:40 am
The trust your board philosophy is all well and good. However, word is Jaire Alexander is still GONE. Ok but the Free Agency period landed Nate Hobbs. He has been average at best and also another injury guy. Now the Draft period is done. No real CB taken. Trades? Nothing I can see linked to the Packers. I get it we don’t play tomorrow. However, saying the Coaches like the room is hard to understand. Coaches aren’t going to throw players under the bus. I am having Falcon like nightmares remembering the playoff game that cost us a trip to the SB. I am not panicked YET but it is fair to question whether we have a blind spot at CB.
MooPack
April 28, 2025 at 08:43 am
My guess is they may have to wait until cuts start coming. That could be a while.
dobber
April 28, 2025 at 09:00 am
"Matthew Golden is Christian Watson, but with better hands and more route versatility, and perhaps a smidge more speed. "
Gosh no. I think they're very different guys and at very different places in their growth curves. If Watson were comparable to Golden in his development and with his HWS he'd never have made it out of the top 15. That route refinement and versatility is a piece of Golden's resume that Watson just didn't have, and it's part of what will give Golden a good chance to outplay Watson's rookie season. If you buy the scouting hype, Golden was a consensus first round and top-20 pick--as were some of the other first rounders you cited who have muddled a bit (Gary, LVN). Others like Quay and Savage had ratings that ran up and down the first couple rounds...they were exactly what Gute likes in round 1: ceiling players.
"Gutekunst decided to fill a role player spot."
If you wanted to say that Golden's immediate role is to provide what Watson did for the offense--backing off safeties and threatening the intermediate and deep zones--then yes, that's closer to the mark. I think he'll be better than that in an offense that likes to throw downfield...and saying he'll be a little more than MVS seems to be underselling Golden by a far cry. They need Golden to be a starter right away.
"When you take an offensive lineman in the second round you expect him to at least push somebody for a starting job. Belton is not a left tackle..."
I'l remind you that everyone thought that David Bakhtiari would end up playing guard when he was drafted, too. Belton was not a pick for 2025. Maybe he displaces Rhyan in 2025, maybe not. And they don't necessarily need him to play LT--that's probably Tom or Morgan in the longer term. What they needed was NFL quality playable depth in 2025 that clarifies the OL picture in 2026. If we presume that Walker and Rhyan both walk due to cap, one of Morgan/Tom/Belton plays LT and Belton/Morgan looks like the heir apparent at RG. They're still one playable piece short on the OL at this point...8 would be great.
On Savion Williams: " Matt LaFleur gets a tall weapon he can put in the backfield as a change of pace runner, or send out wide as a receiver who can break tackles after the catch. The jet sweep was made for him. '
Let's not encourage LaF to run more jet sweeps than they already do. Williams might have more impact on this offense than Golden does over the first quarter of the season: they'll likely need to scheme him direct snaps, jets, and bubble screens to get him the ball. I've been on the fence regarding LaF's creativity and play calling over the years. Given a piece like Savion Williams will really test what he can do, and how he can play off those things once they're on film. I think it's the second piece (playing off scouted looks) where he's struggled as a play caller.
Bitternotsour
April 28, 2025 at 09:28 am
Hopefully self-scouting and growth kick in for MLF. He just got some real nice pieces from Gutekunst - road-grader types on the line, plus he starts the year with two healthy tight ends and the MarShawn Lloyd pick from last year that were unavailable.
All the pressure is on LaFleur. Hopefully, he and Gutekunst share this vision of a ball-busting line and punishing offense.
Vachio
April 28, 2025 at 10:14 am
It's the same tired old trope nearly everyone analyzing drafts throws out there. Played OT in college + picked outside the 1st round = must move to G in the NFL. As you said, Bakh was going to move to guard. Tauscher as well, if memory serves.
I think both Belton and Williams are capable of playing tackle and playing it well. Belton was asked to do some goofy stuff in college that hampered his ability to pass protect. Remove those requirements and I think you'll see a much better pass protector. Sure looked like it during Senior Bowl practices.
NFLfan
April 28, 2025 at 09:03 am
Ken's article was a bit bracing in its honesty but I appreciate it. I'll admit I was reading Golden's body language and listening to the register of his voice and he presents, to me, as a more confident, comfortable-in-his-skin individual than the likeable, though tentative Watson. It is also difficult to measure a drive for 'greatness' that Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams & Bakhtiari embodied. Golden's trajectory will need to be shaped by good coaching as well.
We will have to wait.
zoellner25
April 28, 2025 at 09:48 am
Bold prediction. Sorrell will displace LVN as a starting edge.
Houndog
April 28, 2025 at 10:43 am
I might have to agree with you, zoellner25,
I love this kid! After seeing Shemar Stewart's attitude after being 'overlooked' all the way to Pick #17, and then Sorrell being as happy at #124 as if he'd been picked #1, I know who's attitude I'd prefer in my locker room! Below is an interesting stat on his potential.
According to Mockdraftable, whose data goes back to the 1999 draft class, here are ALL of the Edge Defenders who have been able to match Sorrell’s height, weight, 40-yard dash (speed) and three-cone (bend):
Travon Walker, Lukas Van Ness, Montez Sweat, Jayson Oweh, Danielle Hunter, and Trey Hendrickson.
Not what you'd call bad company, except maybe for Van Ness.
harleycops
April 28, 2025 at 09:58 am
Let's just hope that Golden has golden hamstrings which keep him on the field rather than on the bench. Watson was a unique player and I wish PackerNation could've seen him play at full strength since his draft. He may have been a beast. But we know the rest of the story - he couldn't stay on the grass (or turf) very much and we will never see his full potential. Maybe on another team, but the pattern of his injuries are much too risky. So go Golden and we hope you keep your feet on the Lambeau Lawn for a very long time!!!
canadapacker
April 28, 2025 at 10:26 am
Just heard that most of the draft prognosticators had the worst draft this year. The best of these guys had only 11 of 32 picks. Most only had pick number 1 correct. So how can they say that the Pack was in the bottom 3rd of the teams based upon their draft picks when we know that you cannot tell if a draft was good or not until at least 3 years after the draft. Talking heads have to have something to talk about I guess. Happy with our picks and we will see what happens - hope Belton can put muscle instead of fat on his rather large frame.
Leatherhead
April 28, 2025 at 10:30 am
The most vital need of this team was to bolster the offense, not to upgrade the #6 defense. We didn't need a first round DT to replace Slaton. The two LB/DE guys that Lass thinks might be special team guys.....they have to be on the active roster, and our active roster already has Gary, VanNess, Enagbare, Cox, and Mosby, and we only dress out 4 DEs for games. More likely is that both of these guys are headed for the practice squad.
We were the #6 defense. We exchange Stokes for Hobbs. We've replaced Slaton with the big hog from Georgia. Everybody else is returning. IF anything, the defense should be better this year with everybody having a year of familiarity with the new system, and with Cooper, Williams, and Bullard not being rookies anymore.
The draft fell perfectly for fixing our biggest problem, WR. Watson is basically out for the season and then he's a FA. Doubs is one hard hit from being finished and he'll be a FA after this season. Wicks and Reed have both had trouble catching the ball. We're in the Jordan Love Window and Golden and Savion Williams will be here for the entire 4 years, whereas Watson, Doubs, and Wicks probably won't be here.
Savion Williams was one of my favorite players and a third round target in most of my simulations. I'm glad we got him. I'm also glad we got Belton, because I'm tired of watching our seasons end with starting linemen out injured and inadequate replacements on the field. We have 7 legitimate OL now, and if either Monk or Glover has improved at all then this is one of the strongest 8 man units we've ever had.
I think this draft, particularly the first two days, were about as good as I could have hoped for. Gutekunst is a lot smarter than his critics.
stockholder
April 28, 2025 at 11:40 am
We didn't need a first round DT to replace Slaton.
That is correct. But to be better.
Still requires the big HOGS to be better than Slaton.
I'm not giving up on any WR yet.
The biggest problem Rodgers had, is lack of Wrs.
Gute isn't going to keep drafting Wrs.
advdj76
April 28, 2025 at 01:50 pm
I agree with your comment, except that packers dressed 5 DE for all games last year, and had 6 DE on 53 to start a year. After tradring P Smith it was 5. So probably it will be battle beetween Mosbey and two rookies for 2 roster places
Leatherhead
April 28, 2025 at 06:43 pm
Both Brooks and Wooden played, mostly DT but some DE. Wooden is on the roster as a DE but played DT, especially with Wyatt out. So I can see why there would be 5 DEs on the roster. I also recall Brooks getting some snaps at DE.
After the Smith Trade, it was Gary, Enagbare, VanNess, Cox, Clark, Wyatt, Slaton, Brooks, Wooden. That's 9 DL that we're dressing for games. And it was a good group, and the only guy who won't be back this year is Slaton.
Meanwhile, if we're going to dress out 9 DL then that only leaves us with 12 more spots. 4 safeties and 4 CBs puts us at 8, which brings our total to 17 and we only have 4 remaining.
Walker, Cooper, McDuffie and Hopper. That's it. That's all we can dress. I'm just not seeing how these new guys on defense get on the field.
Truthfully, I'm not sure if we could have drafted anybody in rounds 5-7 who I would look at and say "He's got a good chance". Our 45 and 53 man rosters look to be in pretty good shape after Day 2,
I'm not really seeing how Moseby and the two rookies are fighting for two spots. I think they're all on the outside looking in......unless there's going to be a trade that will make space for them.
I would note that Enagbare is in the last year of his contract and is going to make over $3M this year. If he were to be traded, we'd save the $3M AND he might actually bring us something in trade. He's a proven pass rusher in the NFL and he stays healthy, so it's not unreasonable to think that some team might think he'd be worth it. They could rework his contract and have stability at that spot for years.
I like Enagbare and wouldn't want to trade him, but I don't see how you make room for the Day 3 rookies on the 45 man squad.
WD
April 28, 2025 at 10:40 am
I was in Golden boy's camp from day one. I just never dreamed he would be available at 23. Still, this was an excellent analysis and I have no reason to doubt it's accuracy. One other thing could be added and that was the free agent signings after the draft. Two names in particular I think will make at least the practice squad:
1) Nazir Stackhouse DT
2) Tyron Herring CB
I did see at least one draft analysis that gave the Pack a grade of A-.
I say Bravo! Can't wait til the season starts!
Coldworld
April 28, 2025 at 01:07 pm
Dumas-Johnson is the UDFA who, with Stackhouse, has the best chance of sticking and a legitimate shot at the roster as well, in my opinion. Sub 4.5 40 at his pro day. A fast, physical, tough MLB.
My sneaky CB candidate to surprise this year is Kaleb Hayes. 6’0, 194. Raw UDFA Gute picked off waivers, a perimeter corner who has some instincts and a 9.75 RAS, including a 4.34 40 and a 50 inch vertical.
In 2023 “Hayes played in 12 games, starting 10 of them. He recorded 41 tackles (26 solo) and seven pass breakups. Finishes BYU career with 18 pass breakups, surpassing current Los Angeles Charger Michael Davis for No. 5 at BYU in career pass breakups since 2000. In 2021, Hayes was one of 26 on the team to play in all 13 games, starting the last 10 straight. He accumulated 26 total tackles (21 solo) and 12 pass breakups.
Some accolades he received for the year include Pro Football Network Independent Defensive Back of the Year, Phil Steele All-Independent First Team Defense, Pro Football Network All-Independent First Team Defense, and part of Pro Football Network All-Independent Defensive Secondary of the Year.”
NFL Draft Bible, SI.com.
Alberta_Packer
April 28, 2025 at 01:22 pm
I remember Herring at the East West Shrine Bowl at 1 v. 1. - where he may have been the "stickiest" CB. Even more so than Nohl Williams.
Also Stackhouse was there. While he had no pass rush moves on 1 v.1 - O-linemen were all anchors down trying to stop his forward movement.
splitpea1
April 28, 2025 at 11:17 am
Oh, come on. "Good culture guys"? I didn't love every aspect of this draft, but I certainly think we got some talented and quality prospects who could surprise. And to be honest, most of the commentary regarding Golden is so absurd that it's not even worth a rebuttal. If he's a quick learner and looks good in preseason, he won't be on the bench for long.
The board never falls exactly the way you want it to, but if Gute and the Packers were more concerned about defense, they would have found a way to maneuver in the earlier rounds to address perceived needs. And it could have been done without an enormous cost if they had wanted to (i.e., the second round). There was also value in the fifth round with a good CB prospect, but the Packers passed and he went to the Bears.
The reason behind the picks? Gute met with them and liked what they had to offer--five to be exact.
GregC
April 28, 2025 at 05:55 pm
Yeah, the narrative that the Packers needed to draft mostly for defense is not going to die easy, even though it was emphatically refuted by Gute's decisions on the first two days of the draft. Trading back in the first round would've been a first step toward doing that, and Gute said he had a couple offers to do so. Instead he picked the player they needed most, to jumpstart an offense that became sluggish at the end of the season and will be without its best WR at least until November.
Coldworld
April 28, 2025 at 11:26 pm
Ultimately you can win with a decent D and scoring a lot, or a really good D and a less explosive offense. With this draft we have unequivocally gone for the scoring and offense and largely trusted our D to at least hold its ground. Fair enough. LaFleur had enough weapons if he can get the most out of it and the seeds of an OL that should boost both Tim and pass over last years. This draft really hands the torch to LaFlrur and says show us what you can do and whist you can get from these unicorn pieces.
GregC
April 29, 2025 at 04:48 am
Yep, the ball is in LaFleur's court. I'm sure that's fine with him. He and his assistants will need to figure out the best O-line configuration and prepare the backup O-linemen to hold their own when they need to play in important situations. LaFleur also needs to integrate two new WRs into the offense, both of whom are not their usual types, especially Savion Williams. Think of what Sean Payton would do with Williams. I doubt that LaFleur will be that creative with him, but Williams is an unconventional player who should be used in unconventional ways to make full use of his talents. It'll be interesting to see what LaFleur does with him, or maybe I should say I HOPE it will be interesting to see what LaFleur does with him.
mrtundra
April 28, 2025 at 11:55 am
Camp battles for rosters spots will certainly say a lot about these draftees. I expect Golden to shine on deep and crossing routes and Savion Williams may see the field, if he hangs onto the ball. The guy I am looking forward to seeing a lot of is Barryn Sorrell. I think the kid is a winner! He wants to be in GB and that will be shown when he is on the field. He will be a fan favorite of this draft, if he isn't already. I do not know much about Micah Robinson, but from what Iv'e seen and read, he could surprise a lot of people.
WestCoastPackerBacker
April 28, 2025 at 12:59 pm
Some strange takes here. Not seen anything indicating Belton is anything but a tackle. And saying the top WRs were all taken and Golden compares to MVS is just wrong. Many lists had Golden as the second or third best wideout. And MVS was tall and fast with little route running skills. Golden is smaller, with more refined route running skills.
Coldworld
April 28, 2025 at 01:29 pm
He was a T, a number of “experts” believe he is only a RT in the pros though. He needs to add strength before he does anything and his hand technique needs a lot of work as does his foot movement. He’s not the finished article. Some take those issues a stage further and have him better off at G, at least early on.
Leatherhead
April 28, 2025 at 06:52 pm
Belton, like Morgan, and Walker, and Tom, and Jenkins....will play where he's needed because of injuries. That's always how it works out. You might think Morgan is your LT of the future, but the one you have now is a good player so put Morgan on the field as a RG just to get him some game reps.
Tom bounced around at a couple of spots until he was needed at RT and that's where he's stayed. Jenkins was a LG, then a C, then a LT, then a RT until he finally ended up this year at C.
Right now, I'd look at the Oline as being 7 deep, with Glover and Monk as the putatative #8 and #9 guy. It looks like the starting line will be Walker-Banks-Jenkins-Rhyan-Tom. Morgan is our #6. Belton is our #7.
IMO, this looks like one of the best starting Olines, and best bench, that I can remember the Packers ever having. We've had some good lines, like the 2003-2004 lines, but this one could be every bit as good.
I think the MVS/Golden comparison is a hallucination. A better comparison would be Greggshells Jennings. who had an immediate impact as a rookie.
Alberta_Packer
April 28, 2025 at 01:08 pm
So the Packers theme to this year's Draft appears to be - "Bigger, Faster, Cheaper." Especially:
WR - Faster
O-line - Bigger
DT and Edge - Bigger and Faster
Most players with expiring 2025 and 2026 contracts - Cheaper
NFLfan
April 28, 2025 at 01:44 pm
Much of this discussion is subjective- we have no idea how Golden, Williams, et al will respond to the faster, rougher NFL. Same with Sorrell-he might just be a fun, loveable guy with OK skills, someone like AJ Dillon. We won't really know until mid-season of next year. We have no idea if Love has improved, what his footwork looks like now, if Jordan Morgan will emerge from IR, Ty-Ronn Hopper??.
I would say the only objectively good players are Tom, Jenkins, E. Cooper, MacKinney, Kraft, Jacobs, Reed.
The current more mediocre players will likely not appreciably improve (LVN, Gary, Clark, Walker).
Doubs, Wicks, Nixon, Valentine have likely reached their ceilings. Jaire, if he stays, will likely play 40%. So, IMO, that leaves the new guys and my guess is 50% will contribute. I'm fine with waiting to see what actually shakes out. Why argue right now? There are way too many variables such as heart, intensity, reaction to stress, etc.
Then there are the injuries.
Leatherhead
April 28, 2025 at 06:55 pm
""we have no idea how Golden, Williams, et al will respond to the faster, rougher NFL"" .
Actually,I don't think that's true. They wouldn't have been drafted if we'd had no idea. The scouting and personnel people have watched every move he's made on the field during college. It's been catalogued and graded. They had visits with some of them. They've talked to their college coaches and high school teachers.
Pjb80
April 29, 2025 at 06:51 am
Ok, Who is Ken Lass and how did he get his job?? This draft likely didnt get a single new starter? Matthew Golden is a slight upgrade from MVS?? Holy cow, go watch long time former NFL wide receiver Steve Smiths review of the top 20 recievers in this years draft. Wow, just wow smh