New ESPN mock sparks intriguing rumor about how the Packers could attack the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft
One year ago, the Green Bay Packers went offensive line in the first round, selecting tackle/guard hybrid Jordan Morgan. This time around, it's not impossible that general manager Brian Gutekunst decides to get another big guy.In his latest mock draft, ESPN's analyst Matt Miller indicated that rumors point to the Packers taking an offensive tackle […]
One year ago, the Green Bay Packers went offensive line in the first round, selecting tackle/guard hybrid Jordan Morgan. This time around, it's not impossible that general manager Brian Gutekunst decides to get another big guy.
In his latest mock draft, ESPN's analyst Matt Miller indicated that rumors point to the Packers taking an offensive tackle with the 23rd overall pick. Miller mocked Texas' left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. to Green Bay.
"The Packers are entering the last year of Rasheed Walker's contract, and rumors around the league have Green Bay drafting a tackle early. Banks was a three-year starter for the Longhorns at left tackle and allowed only one sack per season. He checks the size boxes (6-5, 315 pounds, 33½-inch arms) and started 42 games in college.
That profile suggests he should be off the board by now, but concerns about his play power have teams saying Banks could slide. He's a poised pass protector and has held up against top-level college competition, but he might be better as a run blocker because of his hands and athletic movement. I'm higher on Banks than the league — he's in my overall top 10 — and this would be a steal for the Packers at this spot."
Even though edge, wide receiver, cornerback, and defensive tackle all seem to be more pressing needs, it wouldn't be absurd to think about the offensive line once again. And that's because three starters, left tackle Rasheed Walker, right tackle Zach Tom, and right guard Sean Rhyan are entering the final year of their rookie deals. Tom will most likely be extended, but Walker and Rhyan's situations are not as clear.
Moreover, Jordan Morgan missed a significant part of his rookie season. So far, there isn't a clear indication about what position he will play at in 2025. And if he can't play well at tackle, the position will soon be a necessity.
In Miller's mock draft, the Packers would indeed address the cornerback, wide receiver, defensive tackle, and edge positions later on.
Other picks in Matt Miller's mock:
- 2nd round, pick 54: CB Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina
- 3rd round, pick 87: WR Tory Horton, Colorado State
- 4th round, pick 124: RB Jaydon Blue, Texas
- 5th round, pick 159: DT CJ West, Indiana
- 6th round, pick 198: EDGE Tyler Baron, Miami
- 7th round, pick 237: G Thomas Perry, Middlebury
- 7th round, pick 250: QB Cam Miller, North Dakota State
More Packers draft rumors
Maybe the Packers will draft an offensive player in the first round, but it could be from another position. According to Tony Pauline, from Sportskeeda, wide receiver would be on the table.
"The Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Chargers were two teams spoken about in Columbus who will look at receivers hard in the first round."
Brian Gutekunst himself attended Ohio State's Pro Day this week, and Emeka Egbuka is perceived as a first-round talent. Gutekunst was also on Pro Days at Arizona (Tetairoa McMillan) and Texas (Matthew Golden).
Packers’ wide receiver situation reveals a surprising level of urgency as the team looks ahead to the future
Long-term outlook at the position is somewhat concerning
