The Green Bay Packers are gearing up for their offseason planning as the 2024 NFL season wraps up and the anticipation mounts for the 2025 NFL Draft. The team has identified several key areas of need including the pass rush, cornerback positions, and bolstering their offensive line. This strategic review is pivotal as they look to fill roster holes and maximize their first-round pick, which is currently set for 23rd overall.
Mock drafts have been the talk of the town, each offering different perspectives on the player selections available to the Packers. For example, Daniel Jeremiah from NFL.com has predicted the Packers will draft Ohio State's Josh Simmons, stating, "Simmons is coming off a knee injury, but he’s as gifted as any offensive lineman in the class. He also has the tools to play multiple spots on the O-line, something Green Bay has always valued." This insight reflects the Packers' continuous need for depth and viability on their offensive line, particularly as both starting tackles, Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom, face limited contracts which could see them become free agents soon.
Conversely, Sports Illustrated's Daniel Flick suggests the Packers pivot to defense with the selection of ECU cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. He notes, "Much of Revel’s stock depends on his medicals from the NFL combine, as he missed all but three games this past season due to a torn ACL... When healthy, the 6' 3", 193-pounder has the athleticism and ball skills—two interceptions in limited action this season—to be a quality starting corner." The consideration of players with injury histories highlights the risk-reward nature of the draft, as the Packers seek to reinforce their secondary amid uncertainty over Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes’ futures with the team.
Another defensive player projected for the Packers by The Athletic's Matt Schneidman is Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M. He quotes Gutekunst's prior comments about the team's inconsistent pass-rush as part of the rationale for this pick. Despite Stewart's less than stellar statistics—never exceeding 1.5 sacks per season—he remains healthy and has the potential for impactful play, which the Packers need to address their defensive inconsistencies.
Beyond draft preparations, the Packers are also making waves off the field with their 'Taste of the Draft' philanthropic initiative. Schools across Wisconsin are invited to apply for grants aimed at improving access to nutritious meals for students, coinciding with the 90th NFL Draft's theme. This effort is particularly timely; nearly half of Wisconsin students qualify for free or reduced meals, battling against food insecurity. The program ensures selected schools receive meal distribution equipment to help promote healthy eating habits among students.
Scheduled for April 23, the 'Taste of the Draft' event will also showcase local culinary traditions, supported by Wisconsin's Dairy Farmers. It's modeled after the popular 'Taste of the NFL' event, focusing on addressing student hunger, and contributing significantly to community health.
On the eve of the draft, the city of Green Bay is bracing for one of its most exciting events yet, with the setup for the draft taking shape at Lambeau Field. Aaron Popkey, Director of Public Affairs for the Packers, shared insights about the preparations for the event, stating, "Seeing the renderings today allows us to take one more step forward... It’s got a look and feel of Lambeau Field... it’s a celebration of all 32 clubs." The draft campus will include activities stretching across 800,000 square feet of space, enabling fans to participate through the NFL Experience, which will offer interactive opportunities, such as speed tests and field goal attempts.
The area designated as the draft theater will hold 250,000 square feet and see thousands of fans gathering to witness the event live. Popkey affirmed the emphasis on safety and accessibility, with two general admission entrances laid out to facilitate crowd movement. Preparations for adverse weather have also been made, showcasing the city's commitment to ensuring visitors have a pleasant experience irrespective of conditions during the draft festivities.
With so many layers of excitement building as the Packers prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft, fans are eager to see how their team will fill its gaps and bolster its roster through strategic drafting and community engagement. The Packers' commitment to their players, both on and off the field, guarantees continued dedication to building not just for today but also for tomorrow.