The 2025 NFL Draft will be remembered as a landmark moment in Green Bay Packers history. A team rich in tradition, championship glory, and iconic players may have just pulled off its most complete and impressive draft haul in franchise history. Led by general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur, the Packers front office delivered a masterclass in talent acquisition—balancing need, value, and long-term vision in a way that few teams have ever managed.
With a fanbase yearning for a return to postseason dominance and a young quarterback in Jordan Love continuing his ascent, the Packers knew the 2025 draft had to be a turning point. It was. From the opening night to the final round, Green Bay found playmakers, tone-setters, and locker-room leaders. Analysts, former players, and even rival executives have since praised the Packers’ selections as transformational.
Let’s dive deep into what made this draft class historic—and how each pick adds to what could be the NFL’s next powerhouse roster.
First Round: A Star in the Making
With the 17th overall pick, the Packers selected Amarius Mims, the 6-foot-7 offensive tackle from Georgia. Long considered one of the most physically gifted linemen in the draft, Mims was expected to go higher but fell due to concerns about his limited college starts. Green Bay pounced, seeing the upside and trusting their development program. Mims brings athleticism, size, and elite footwork to a position that desperately needed an infusion of youth after the departure of David Bakhtiari.
Mims projects as the Packers’ long-term solution at left tackle and could very well start from Week 1. His ceiling? Multiple Pro Bowl appearances, and perhaps All-Pro recognition in the future.
Second Round: Defensive Identity Reinforced
In the second round, Green Bay continued to build in the trenches by selecting Darius Robinson, the versatile defensive lineman out of Missouri. Robinson has the power to play inside but the agility to rush from the edge in certain schemes. His versatility fits perfectly into new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s system, which emphasizes speed, physicality, and adaptability.
Robinson is expected to rotate early with Devonte Wyatt and Kenny Clark, creating one of the more formidable defensive fronts in the NFC. He brings not only skill but leadership, having captained Missouri’s defense and earning All-SEC honors.
Third Round: Ball-Hawking Safety of the Future
Safety was a need entering the draft, and the Packers addressed it in round three with the selection of Kitan Oladapo from Oregon State. Oladapo is a high-IQ player with exceptional instincts and tackling ability. While he may not have elite speed, he more than makes up for it with positioning, film study, and anticipation.
Projected to compete immediately for a starting role, Oladapo brings a new level of intensity to the secondary. He’ll pair well with newly signed veteran Xavier McKinney and could help solidify a unit that has struggled with communication in recent years.
Fourth Round: Hidden Gems Begin to Shine
In the fourth round, the Packers doubled down on weapons for Jordan Love, selecting Malik Washington, a wide receiver from Virginia who led the ACC in receptions in 2024. Washington is a precise route-runner, explosive after the catch, and brings toughness that Green Bay’s receiver room sorely lacked.
He joins a promising young core that includes Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Romeo Doubs. Washington’s addition gives Love another reliable option, particularly in the slot, where he can wreak havoc on third downs and in red-zone situations.
Later in the same round, Green Bay snagged Tyrice Knight, an inside linebacker from UTEP with elite production. Knight racked up over 140 tackles last season and plays with relentless energy. With De’Vondre Campbell’s release earlier this offseason, Knight will have a real shot to earn starting reps alongside Quay Walker.
Fifth Round: Depth and Development
In the fifth round, the Packers took Jordan Jefferson, a nose tackle from LSU. Jefferson isn’t flashy, but he’s powerful and reliable against the run—something Green Bay has historically struggled to contain. He’ll serve as early-down insurance and potentially develop into a starter down the line.
They followed that pick with Michael Pratt, quarterback from Tulane, who will serve as the backup to Jordan Love. Pratt is a seasoned college player, calm under pressure, and fundamentally sound. While he may never be a star, his presence gives the Packers quality depth and a developmental option who could be flipped for draft capital down the road.
Sixth and Seventh Rounds: Special Teams and Upside
The Packers continued their strong drafting late with picks focused on special teams and high-upside athletes. One of the more intriguing selections was Khristian Boyd, a defensive tackle from Northern Iowa, who impressed scouts during the Senior Bowl. Boyd brings raw power and hustle that could earn him a spot in the rotation.
Green Bay also took Michael Barrett, a hybrid linebacker-safety from Michigan, who projects as a core special teams player with subpackage potential. He adds to the team’s new defensive identity—fast, aggressive, and relentless.
Finally, Kalen King, a cornerback from Penn State who once projected as a Day 2 pick before a shaky final season, was a late-round steal. If he returns to form under the guidance of Packers’ DB coaches, he could be a starting nickel corner by 2026.
Why This Draft Stands Out Historically
Green Bay’s 2025 draft class is getting so much buzz because it checked every box:
- Immediate Impact: Mims, Robinson, Oladapo, and Washington could all play significant roles this season.
- Value Picks: Multiple players, including Mims, King, and Washington, were drafted below their projected value.
- Depth Across the Roster: No position group was ignored. From offensive line to secondary, linebacker to wide receiver, Green Bay strengthened its depth chart at nearly every level.
- Cultural Fit: Every pick fits Green Bay’s locker room culture—high-character players who love football and are eager to develop.
- Scheme Fit: New defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has hand-picked players that fit his aggressive, fast-paced defensive philosophy.
NFL Analysts React
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah called Green Bay’s draft “the most balanced and strategically sound of the last five years,” while ESPN’s Matt Miller ranked the Packers’ class No. 1 overall.
Former Packers legends, including Charles Woodson and James Jones, took to social media to praise the selections. “We building something special in Green Bay,” Woodson wrote. “Defense gonna be nasty again.”
Even Aaron Rodgers, now with the Jets, jokingly said during a podcast, “Where were all these weapons when I was there?”
Jordan Love’s Big Win
No one benefited more from this draft than quarterback Jordan Love. The Packers have now given him an upgraded offensive line, an expanded receiver corps, and a defense that can keep games manageable. Entering his third season, Love is in prime position to take another leap forward—this time with real support.
With Amarius Mims protecting his blind side and Malik Washington getting separation underneath, the offense should evolve from potential to performance.
The Road Ahead
Success in the NFL is rarely instant, even with a strong draft class. But Green Bay’s 2025 draft wasn’t about flashy headlines—it was about building a foundation. The Packers are clearly committed to surrounding Jordan Love with the right talent while simultaneously preparing a defense that can carry its share of the weight.
The NFC North is as competitive as ever, with the Lions rising, the Bears stacking talent, and the Vikings retooling. But Green Bay may have just planted its flag as the division’s most well-rounded team—not just for 2025, but for years to come.