For over 20 years the Green Bay Packers have not drafted a wide receiver in the first round. The last time they did was in 2002 when they took Javon Walker with the 20th overall pick. But trends may be changing as mock drafts are connecting the Packers to top wideouts with the 23rd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Let’s get into the latest buzz and takeaways on the Packers first round decision.
The Packers’ Historical Draft Trend
The Packers have historically avoided taking wide receivers early in the draft. Instead they’ve focused on other areas of the roster—defense and offensive line. This has been true in recent years but the trend may finally be changing. With Jordan Love in the starting lineup, the receiving corps is now a priority.
Mock drafts are now suggesting the Packers may break their 20 year trend and take a wide receiver in the first round. Here’s what the experts are saying who might be on the board at 23.
Wide Receiver Options for the Packers
Matthew Golden (Texas)
According to Chad Reuter of NFL.com, the Packers could look to Matthew Golden to be a long-term answer at wide receiver. Golden’s speed and ability to win contested catches makes him a downfield threat. His performance at the NFL Combine and second half of the 2024 season has raised his stock big time.
Why He Fits: Golden could be a stable presence in a Packers wide receiver room without a true #1.
Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State)
Josh Liskiewitz of Pro Football Focus likes Emeka Egbuka as a high-floor guy who can play immediately. Despite three years of draft hype surrounding Egbuka, he’s a consistent producer and reliable. There’s draft fatigue on him, but he’s an attractive option.
Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports says: “Egbuka isn’t going to blow you away with speed or size, but he’s just a good player. The Packers have taken guys based on traits at WR and it hasn’t worked out. This time they take the guy who can play the position.”
Defensive Options at 23
While wide receivers are rising in mock drafts, defensive players are still in play for the Packers. Here are some of the top defensive prospects connected to Green Bay:
Derrick Harmon (Oregon)
Multiple analysts, including Ben Standig of The Athletic and Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA TODAY, have the Packers taking Derrick Harmon on the defensive line. His interior pop and pass-rushing ability would play well with Green Bay’s recent first-round linemen.
Why He Fits: Harmon brings immediate defensive disruption and flexibility to handle current defensive tackles Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt.
Mock Draft Takeaways
- End the WR Drought: The Packers have never taken a wide receiver in the first round. Mock drafts are starting to say they will this year. Matthew Golden and Emeka Egbuka would be long term solutions to the receiving problems.
- Defensive Depth Still Matters: Even with all the WR talk, defensive prospects like Derrick Harmon, Shavon Revel Jr., and Donovan Ezeiruaku are still in play for the 23rd pick.
- Trade Scenarios: With running backs like Omarion Hampton and quarterbacks like Jaxson Dart popping up in this range, the Packers could trade their pick to a team that needs one of those.
Top Picks in Mock Drafts
- Cam Ward (QB, Miami): Number 1 overall in all mocks.
- Abdul Carter (Edge, Penn State): Number 2 in most mocks.
- Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado): 2-3 in 9 of 10 mocks.
- Travis Hunter (CB/WR, Colorado): Top 5 in every mock.
- Mykel Williams (Edge, Georgia): 9-29 in range, could go to Packers at 23.
2025 NFL Draft Trends
- Top picks set in stone? Miami QB Cam Ward went number 1 in all mocks.
- Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) back in top 3 after strong finish.
- Georgia’s Jalon Walker (EDGE) is a wild card—top 5 or slide.
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