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Draft Day Decisions: Evaluating the Packers’ 2025 Rookie Class Impact

The Green Bay Packers made a definitive statement during the 2025 NFL Draft, blending offensive firepower with strategic depth on defense. With all eight of general manager Brian Gutekunst’s original picks utilized—without a single trade—the Packers signaled a rare stability in their approach. More notably, they used their first three picks on offense, a departure from their often defense-first tendencies.

As the team prepares for the next season, this rookie class is expected to shape the roster in meaningful, immediate ways, starting with their Draft Day One pick, Matthew Golden.

Draft Day One Pick Matthew Golden Brings Speed and Urgency

For the first time in 23 years, the Packers selected a wide receiver in the first round—Matthew Golden from Texas. At No. 23 overall, this wasn’t just a pick; it was a long-overdue course correction. Christian Watson’s ACL tear in the 2024 finale created a vacuum, and Golden’s arrival provides an urgent answer. He clocked an eye-popping 4.29 in the 40-yard dash andhad 10 catches on passes thrown over 25 yards downfield, the most in the SEC and sixth most in the FBS. With a potential game-changer like Golden on board, it’s no surprise theGreen Bay Packers odds are drawing fresh attention heading into the new season.

Golden isn’t just fast—he’s smart, versatile, and polished. At Texas, he showed comfort playing both outside and in the slot. His 57 receptions for 987 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024 confirm a knack for big plays and reliability. He’s been productive throughout his collegiate career, not just in one breakout season. Jordan Love lacked a consistent deep threat last season, and Golden’s presence could redefine the vertical structure of Green Bay’s offense. Expect him to compete for WR1 snaps immediately.

USATSI 26060534 168400530 lowres | Draft Day Decisions: Evaluating the Packers' 2025 Rookie Class Impact

Wide receiver Matthew Golden holds a Green Bay Packers jersey after being selected with the 23rd pick during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The draft runs through April 26.

Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Anthony Belton Adds Bulk and Options to the Offensive Line

In Round 2, the Packers added Anthony Belton, a 6-foot-6, 336-pound offensive tackle from NC State. His profile fits a familiar organizational mold: large-framed, position-flexible, and physically dominant. With Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom both in contract years, Belton provides contingency and competition. Even if he doesn’t start in Week 1, his versatility makes him valuable. He could shift inside if needed, much like 2023 first-rounder Jordan Morgan.

Belton’s physical tools—particularly his arm length and sheer size—give him the traits to succeed in a zone-heavy run scheme. His mauling ability in the run game and improving pass protection suggest he could push for meaningful snaps. The offensive line’s future hinges on maintaining depth and power. Belton checks both boxes.

Savion Williams Is the Gadget Weapon the Offense Missed

By the third round, Green Bay doubled down on wide receivers with Savion Williams out of TCU. This pick wasn’t just about addressing a need—it was about adding an extra dimension. Williams isn’t a traditional wideout. He lined up in the backfield, returned kicks, and even threw a touchdown in 2024. That Swiss Army Knife skillset recalls players like Cordarrelle Patterson and fits the mold of emerging hybrid threats highlighted inFanDuel NFL player trends.

At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Williams is a physical mismatch for defenders. He scored six touchdowns on the ground and six through the air in 2024, the only FBS receiver to do both. While five drops last season raise concerns, his ability to create after the catch and stretch the playbook outweighs them. The Packers led the league in dropped passes last year. That won’t be fixed by one player, but Williams’ versatility gives Matt LaFleur unique schematic options.

Barryn Sorrell Could Be the Steal of the Defensive Group

It wasn’t until Round 4 that the Packers addressed defense. Barryn Sorrell, the edge rusher from Texas, represents value and upside. His 12.5% pressure rate ranked ninth in the SEC, showing consistency and growth across his college tenure. He lined up both on the edge and inside, giving defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley flexibility in his fronts.

Sorrell’s strength—highlighted by an impressive 28 bench press reps at the combine—should translate well in the trenches. He’ll likely rotate with Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare early, but don’t be surprised if he earns more snaps with his relentless energy. The Packers need rotational help behind Rashan Gary, and Sorrell’s blend of effort and production fills that void.

Collin Oliver Is a Developmental Weapon with Special Teams Value

In the fifth round, the Packers selected Collin Oliver from Oklahoma State. A bit of a tweener at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds, Oliver doesn’t have prototypical size for a defensive end in a 4-3, but he makes up for it with athleticism. His 4.56 speed and explosiveness give Hafley an intriguing chess piece.

Oliver missed most of 2024 due to injury, yet his tape prior showed burst and bend around the edge. While initially projected as a situational pass rusher, he could eventually transition to off-ball linebacker. His best shot at early impact will be on special teams, where his speed and tackling can be deployed immediately.

Warren Brinson Brings Depth and Familiar Pedigree

Warren Brinson was the sixth-round selection, a defensive tackle from Georgia. Green Bay has consistently dipped into the Georgia talent pool under Gutekunst, and Brinson joins a line already familiar with Bulldog alumni. Though he only started eight games, he flashed quickness and agility.

He’ll be tasked with replacing the run-stopping snaps vacated by T.J. Slaton’s departure to Cincinnati. Brinson’s rotational role will be critical in preserving Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt through the grind of the season. He may not be a headline-grabber, but he’s a functional cog in the defensive machine.

Micah Robinson Adds Speed to the Secondary

With their first seventh-round pick, Green Bay selected Tulane cornerback Micah Robinson. At 5-foot-11 and 184 pounds, he projects best as a nickel corner. His 4.42-second 40-yard dash at Pro Day confirms speed is his calling card.

He joins a crowded cornerback room, but his fit as a slot defender is clean. With Nate Hobbs likely to start inside, Robinson will begin as depth, however, his agility and anticipation give him a shot to climb the depth chart, particularly if trade rumors surrounding Jaire Alexander materialize into movement.

John Williams Is Another Moldable Lineman Project

The Packers closed their draft with Cincinnati tackle John Williams. A two-year starter on the blind side, Williams will likely be converted to guard. This strategy isn’t new—Green Bay often targets college left tackles and molds them for interior roles.

Williams has reliable footwork and enough experience to serve as a swing lineman. While unlikely to play immediately, he strengthens the team’s development pipeline. He’s a stash-and-grow pick—one that could pay off in year two or three.

Why This Draft Class Matters Right Now

The Packers didn’t just draft for future needs—they targeted areas that demand immediate solutions. From Golden’s game-breaking speed to Belton’s imposing frame and Sorrell’s pressure potential, the 2025 rookie class blends day-one contributors with long-term upside. Green Bay prioritized offensive weapons to support Jordan Love while sprinkling in calculated defensive reinforcements.

This group isn’t flashy from top to bottom, but it’s layered, thoughtful, and designed to grow with a young core. With Aaron Rodgers long gone, Gutekunst has shifted fully into building a team around Love—and the 2025 class may be his most strategically constructed yet.

Main image credit: © Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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