The Green Bay Packers had a solid season in 2024 despite Jordan Love missing two games. With an 11-6 finish, Matt LaFleur and Green Bay finished third in a deep NFC North led by the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings.
With all three teams featuring potent offenses, yet knocked out of the playoffs early, a focus for a team like the Packers going into 2025 may center around defense. The Packers weren’t bad in 2024, ranking No. 4 in the NFL in yards allowed per game, but their weakness was in two areas that could impact a game the most. That was pass coverage and putting pressure on the quarterback.
As the team does the Lambeau leap into the offseason, addressing those areas will be priority No. 1 through free agency, but specifically the 2025 NFL Draft.
In addressing the team’s biggest needs, ESPN’s Rob Demovsky writes:
“The Packers have two first-round picks in their cornerback room (Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes) and two at defensive end (Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness), yet those are their two biggest needs this offseason. Neither Gary nor Van Ness has been anything close to a dominant pass rusher, and there's a huge void there after Preston Smith was traded in early November. It has been another injury-filled season for Alexander, and Stokes remains a backup without a single pass breakup in 1,001 defensive snaps since the start of the 2022 season”
Green Bay Packers 2024 NFL season
2024 NFL season record: 11-6, 3rd in the NFC North
Team offense: Rank 7th (366.7 yards per game)
Team defense: Rank 4th (313.2 yards per game)
Postseason: NFL Wild Card Round (22-10 loss to Philadelphia Eagles)
2025 NFL Draft position: No. 23
Top positional needs: CB, DE, LB, OL
2025 NFL Draft outlook
If the Packers want to address cornerback in the 2025 NFL Draft, there is plenty of talent. Green Bay could hope top talent like Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison down in the draft to the earlier late-round, but prospects like Texas’ Jahdae Barron, Mississippi’s Trey Amos and East Carolina star Shavon Revel will players available at No. 23.
As far as defensive end Marshall’s Mike Green and Georgia’s Mykel Williams tops players who could be around when the Packers select. Each of those players can help add explosiveness off the edge. Another player who could be a prime fit for the Packers is Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer. With a second-round projection, he should be a player high on Green Bay’s draft big board at the position.
Other areas of need could include linebacker and offensive line depth. The Packers are also a team who could look to add to their running back core. Here is a look at what GM Brian Gutekunst and the Packers will do in this three-round NFL Mock Draft.
2025 NFL Mock Draft (Three-round)
The Packers should still hold on to hope for both Alexander and Stokes, but why not add some competition to the cornerback room. With the No. 23 overall pick, the Packers select East Carolina’s Shavon Revel Jr.
ECU CB Shavon Revel is foregoing his last year eligibility and declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/8dQ10UlmNr
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 22, 2024
A gifted cornerback with great size and length, Revel could slide in the draft since he only played three games in 2024 due to an ACL tear. That could scare teams away from drafting him in the first round, but at full health, he could be a steal at the end of the first round. With great technique and a size that will stack up against top receivers in the NFL, Revel will push Alexander and Stokes and could take over as the top corner back season’s end.
Packers stick with defense and go best available player with the selection of Kentucky’s Deone Walker. At 6-foot-6, 348 pounds, he adds presence to the interior of the defensive line but has the quickness and high motor to get after the quarterback as well. As a top-level run stopper, Walker could be made for the NFC North and help the Packers defend against running backs like Jahmyr Gibbs.
Going back to biggest needs, the Packers get another steal with the selection of Michigan EDGE Josiah Stewart. Overshadowed by top defensive prospects out of Michigan like Mason Graham, Will Johnson and Kenneth Grant, Stewart brings his own defensive impact to any team that drafts him. With 8.5 sacks in 2024, this Michigan defensive end knows how to get after the quarterback and would look awesome wearing the Packers’ uniform. Cheese heads will instantly fall in love this this third-round pick.