Packers 2025 draft class performance breakdown after first preseason game offers insight on team’s rookie class
Some of the rookies had their first NFL opportunities
The preseason might not matter in terms of results—happily for the Green Bay Packers after a 30-10 loss to the New York Jets on Saturday night. However, exhibition games do matter for young players trying to develop and prove themselves in the NFL.
The Packers made eight draft picks back in April and also added some intriguing undrafted players. Against the Jets, they had the first action on an NFL field. So let’s check how each of them performed at Lambeau Field.
Round 1, pick 23: WR Matthew Golden, Texas
It was a rough performance by the Packers’ offense, but you could say that Golden was a bright spot among starters. With everyone else dropping passes, the rookie showed strong hands to grab a seven-yard pass from Jordan Love, generating a first down. He also drove a holding penalty from Sauce Gardner. When the starters went out, Golden did too, a good indication about his status on the team.
Golden played the majority of his snaps (eight of 12) as an outside receiver, an indication of the role the Packers foresee for him.
Round 2, pick 54: T Anthony Belton, NC State
Nobody along the offensive line had more snaps than him. Belton played at right tackle for most of the game, with the twos and threes, finishing it with 42 snaps. He had a solid performance overall, which is what you would want from an offensive lineman. The one highlight for him was a pancake during Amar Johnson’s touchdown, the only time in the game that the Packers reached the end zone.
Belton didn’t allow a single pressure, even though he had two penalties. He also had the second best PFF run blocking grade, only behind Zach Tom.
Round 4, pick 124: EDGE Barryn Sorrell, Texas
Sorrell was a bright spot on the defense, receiving the highest pass rush grade (87.9). That’s because he generated two pressures with a 28.6 pass run win percentage. He also had a tackle.
The rookie was the fourth edge defender in the rotation, behind Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, and Kingsley Enagbare. He showed his talent with an interesting combination of power and speed. It’s early, it was against the Jets’ backups as well, but it’s the only step he could have taken at this time—and he did.
Round 6, pick 198: DT Warren Brinson, Georgia
Brinson had one pressure and one stop, and defensive coordinator mentioned him among the good performers. He had a good tackle against the run on a third down to avoid the conversion.
Round 7, pick 237: CB Micah Robinson, Tulane
Robinson was targeted once and allowed a 12-yard catch. He played 34 snaps as a boundary corner and one in the box, with another seven special teams reps. Robinson finished the game with three tackles.
Undrafteds to watch
Nose tackle Nazir Stackhouse played 26 snaps and helped set the tone against the run. Running back Amar Johnson had 67 yards in seven carries (9.6 per attempt), including the only touchdown scored by the Packers. Wide receiver Will Sheppard led the team with two receptions for 20 yards.
Didn’t play
Round 3, pick 87: WR Savion Williams, TCU
Round 5, pick 159: EDGE/LB Collin Oliver, Oklahoma State
Round 7, pick 250: G John Williams, Cincinnati
| Be part of the A to Z Sports community and vote in our latest Green Bay Packers poll as the preseason gets underway. |
Green Bay Packers News
Packers rookie receives news he didn’t want to hear right before preseason opener against the Jets
Savion Williams has had a tough start to his NFL career
