With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, the Green Bay Packers have several key areas to address. While many mock drafts focus on positions like wide receiver or cornerback, the Packers’ biggest needs may lie elsewhere. Here’s a breakdown of what Green Bay should prioritize in this year’s draft.

Packers NEEDS: Interior Pass Rush

The Packers’ edge rushers Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness didn’t perform up to the standards that Green Bay looks for so they could improve at edge. However, the interior defensive line could use an upgrade as well—particularly in the pass rush department.

Adding a disruptive force in the middle would not only generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. It can also open up opportunities for Gary and Van Ness off the edge. This need becomes even more pressing considering 2025 is likely Kenny Clark’s final season in Green Bay. Finding a long-term solution on the interior should be a top priority.

A player like Walter Nolen could fit the bill here!

A Versatile Cornerback

While the Packers signed Nate Hobbs to bolster their secondary, they could still use another versatile cornerback. They need somebody who can play both outside and in the slot. Green Bay values defensive backs who can move around the formation, and adding another flexible piece to the puzzle would improve the unit’s depth and adaptability.

This need is even more paramount if Jaire Alexander does in fact leave the team this offseason.

If Alexander does leave, maybe a player like Jahdae Barron could fit well with his extreme versatility and athletic prowess.

Packers Offensive Line Depth

The offensive line is always an area that requires reinforcements, and depth will be critical for Green Bay in 2024. Injuries are inevitable over a long season. So, with Jordan Morgan competing for both left tackle and right guard spots, having additional depth is necessary. The expected starting lineup will likely feature Walker or Morgan at LT, Aaron Banks at LG, Elgton Jenkins moving to center, Sean Rhyan or Morgan at RG, and Zach Tom at RT. However, adding another versatile lineman in the draft would provide much-needed security.

Grey Zabel out of North Dakota State has Packer written all over him.

Surprise Need? Tight End?

Everyone talks about how much the Packers need a wide receiver and yeah, they could use one, but I disagree. I say they don’t need one. It almost feels heretical to say that. But the Packers could make it work without adding another receiver, even with Christian Watson out for a while.

With Josh Jacobs expected to play a significant role in the offense and Tucker Kraft likely seeing more targets, adding a blocking tight end could be a game-changer. A strong blocking presence would free up Kraft to be more involved in the passing game while also enhancing the run game. It’s not the flashiest need, but it could have a major impact on the offense’s efficiency.

Mitchell Evans who played at Notre Dame should be available later in the draft and has demonstrated decent run blocking with the ability to develop it.

Final Thoughts

While adding another receiver would be a great idea, the Packers don’t necessarily need one in the early rounds. The team already has a deep young receiving corps, and with Jacobs and Kraft poised to take on larger roles, the passing game should be just fine. Instead, focusing on the trenches, both defensively and offensively – along with adding a versatile defensive back – should be the primary objectives in this year’s draft.

Green Bay’s front office has always valued versatility and long-term planning. With the right draft choices, the Packers can set themselves up for success in 2025 and beyond.

Go Pack Go!

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Damon is a diehard, fully-immersed cheesehead who currently lives in southern Missouri. He teaches at a local high school and has a family YouTube channel about all things Packers. You can follow him on twitter at @packersfamily and on YouTube at The Packers Family.

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