The Green Bay Packers are hosting the 2025 NFL Draft this year in what is going to be the final chapter in President and CEO Mark Murphy‘s storied career as the leader of the organization. Throughout his tenure, which started in 2008, the Packers have seen their franchise reach levels of continued success, win a Super Bowl, and witnessed the prime years of one of the greatest quarterbacks in league history: Aaron Rodgers.
But as great and storied as Rodgers’ career was, there was always one thing that many fans wished the team had given him during his 15 years as their starting quarterback: a wide receiver drafted in the first round. Of course, Green Bay found some of Rodgers’ own favorite teammates and pass catchers (i.e. Davante Adams and Randall Cobb) in later rounds. That being said, many fans have been calling for a first round wide receiver for a long time.
The Green Bay Packers Could Draft a Wide Receiver in the First Round for Jordan Love
Jan 14, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) reacts after a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter for the 2024 NFC wild card game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) reacts after a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the first quarter for the 2024 NFC wild card game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
According to multiple reports, the Packers were one of many teams present at Ohio State’s pro day. One player that has become a fan-favorite in NFL mock drafts is wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who has become one of the wide receivers Green Bay’s fans would love to see their team select in the first round.
Ryan Heckman ofLombardi Avenue recently wrote, “There is something to be said about the fact that Rodgers is currently contemplating his future and very well could end up calling it a career. Meanwhile, the Packers are thinking of doing something they never did for Rodgers.
“It’s funny. No, really, it is. As much as fans might have wanted the Packers to give Rodgers a first-round wide receiver and as much as some fans might still love their former quarterback, this is still quite funny.”
As many fans are well aware, the Packers have not taken a wide receiver in the first round of the draft since 2002. However, that does not mean they have not tried to.
Back in 2022, Green Bay attempted to trade up into the first round (they had already taken two players in the first round) to select Christian Watson. However, since they were not able to, they traded up to take him with the first pick in the second round.
All this to say that if the right wide receiver is there at pick 23, the Packers will pounce on the opportunity. That being said, Egubaka is more of a slot wide receiver and Green Bay already has a good one in Jayden Reed.
More than likely, Green Bay will be looking to shore up its offensive line depth or cornerback position when it comes their turn to pick this year. Additionally, they could also look at a pass rusher if one they like falls to them.
Wide receiver is a concern as Watson will miss the first half of the 2025 season as he recovers from a torn ACL. Green Bay, though, has already brought in Mecole Hardman and re-signed Bo Melton. While there are certainly long-term questions at the position, it may not be as high on list of priorities as fans think it is, or should be.
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