As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, analysts are refining their projections and positional rankings. For the Green Bay Packers, cornerback, defensive line, and wide receiver have been the most frequently mocked positions in the first round.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, defensive line is currently the favorite for Green Bay’s first-round pick, with cornerback close behind and offensive line in third. Given the Packers’ thin depth at cornerback and the defensive line’s lack of impact last season, their first-round pick could come down to one of those two positions.
In his latest two-round mock draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. aligns with the current odds, projecting the Packers to select a Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman in the first round.
With the 23rd overall pick, the Packers selected EDGE Mykel Williams. Despite battling a lingering ankle injury, Williams recorded five sacks in 12 games last season. Over his three-year career at Georgia, he recorded 85 pressures.
The Packers totaled 45 sacks last season, but 20 came in just three games. They also ranked 26th in pass rush win rate. Williams has the potential to bring much-needed consistency to the pass rush and is capable of stepping in as a day-one starter.
Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst has consistently invested in Georgia defenders, using three first-round picks on Bulldogs since 2021. That approach continued in 2024 when Green Bay selected safety Javon Bullard in the second round.
With pick No. 54, Kiper has Green Bay selecting TCU wide receiver Jack Bech. The Packers have a strong history of finding value at wide receiver in the second round, with past successes including Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, and Greg Jennings. Bech would add depth and competition to a receiving corps that finished with the third-most drops in the NFL last season.
“Bech was great during Senior Bowl week, and he finished the 2024 season with 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns,” Kiper said of Bech. “The Packers’ offense likes to distribute the ball to multiple pass catchers, with three wideouts – Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and Jayden Reed – seeing at least 70 targets. Bech would be another reliable playmaker in the mix.”
Edge rusher and wide receiver are two positions the Packers could target early in the 2025 NFL Draft. Both units took a step back last season, and Green Bay needs an infusion of talent with players who can contribute immediately and help strengthen the roster from Week 1.
