The Green Bay Packers have built an exciting young core around quarterback Jordan Love, and boast some exciting young talent on defense such as homegrown and ascending linebacker Edgerrin Cooper.
However, the Packers have largely stuck to their organizational philosophy of building through the draft rather than breaking the bank in free agency throughout this offseason, which sets the stage of a high stakes 2025 NFL Draft for general manager Brian Gutekunst and company.
Green Bay Packers Need a Big NFL Draft Win
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekuns is shown before their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, December 17, 2023 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
As the NFL Draft approaches, 33rd Team analyst Tyler Brooke suggests that the Packers are among the teams who need to have a strong draft class, in order for this offseason to be a success.
“General manager Brian Gutekunst filled two important, albeit unexciting, needs in free agency,” Brooke writes for The 33rd Team. “By signing guard Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs. However, some significant needs remain, most notably in the trenches at EDGE and on the interior of the defensive line.
“The Packers ranked 26th in pass rush win rate last season, having to rely on creative blitzes and games to generate pressure instead of straight rushes with four defenders. Finding a premier pass rusher in the draft is difficult when picking so late in the first round, but a player who can instantly improve the team’s pass rush could make the defense even more imposing.”
Dec 23, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur looks on during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Aug 10, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur celebrates with his team during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
One way for Green Bay to fill their need at pass rusher could be a blockbuster trade for Trey Hendrickson, otherwise, the Packers could mine one of the top pass rushers in a deep class at the position.
Likewise, the Packers have struck out at the top of the receiver market this offseason, with Cooper Kupp landing with the Los Angeles Rams and D.K. Metcalf being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Edge rushers and receiver are only two of the positions the Packers need to address in the draft in order to take the next step. But, after largely sitting out free agency, and given the Packers’ track record of building through the draft, it may be far too early to judge the roster that Gutekunst and Green Bay have put together this offseason, so far.