Five Realistic Candidates for the Packers to Pick in the First Round of the 2025 NFL Draft

The Green Bay Packers have a big opportunity to improve their team and take the next step forward towards being Super Bowl contenders in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Pack has eight picks overall including the 23^rd overall pick in the first round. They are also hosting the draft for the first time. Here is a look at five players who are candidates for the Packers to select in the first round with the 23^rd overall pick or with a slight trade up.

Realistic Candidates for the Packers to Pick in the First Round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Number Five: CB Jahdae Barron, Texas

Jahdae Barron would be a natural fit for the Packers at cornerback. He won the Jim Thorpe Award as the top defensive back in college football last season. Barron has the versatility the Packers crave. He has played safety, slot, and cornerback.

In 2024, he intercepted five passes and broke up 16 more. Barron has a high football IQ and reads plays well, especially in zone coverage.

Barron possesses only average size and doesn’t always play to his 40 times, but he’s tough, smart, and versatile. He’d be a good fit for Jeff Hafley who likes disguising his coverages off the snap of the ball.

Number Four: DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan

If the Packers want to improve their run defense, Kenneth Grant would be a good option in the first round. The 6’3”, 330-pound Michigan alum brings size and quickness to the position. He also has some pass-rush potential because of his skill set.

GM Brian Gutekunst loves athletes with a high RAS and Grant fits the bill. He also played both nose tackle and three-technique, which means he can replace T.J. Slaton this year and then possibly move over and step in for Kenny Clark if he leaves next year.

Grant could start right away but still has room for improvement. He would be a solid addition to the middle of the Green Bay defensive line.

Realistic Candidates for the Packers to Pick in the First Round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Number Three: Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College

Donovan Ezeiruaku would help the Packers pass rush. He won the Ted Hendricks Award as the best defensive end in college football last season. Unlike many other Packers first round edge rushers, Ezeiruaku was productive in college and recorded 16.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss in 2024.

In addition, the Boston College alum played under Hafley in college which means the Packers defensive coordinator knows him well and his strengths. That could give Ezeiruaku a head start in learning the Packers defense as a rookie.

At 6’2” and 248 pounds, Ezeiruaku is much lighter than the ideal Packers defensive end. He may have to start out as a pass rush specialist but has the skills to develop into a full-time player as he gains experience.

Number Two: CB Will Johnson, Michigan

With Jaire Alexander likely heading out of Green Bay this offseason, Will Johnson would make a good replacement. At 6’1” and 194 pounds, he has good size for the position. He is coming off injuries that cost him seven games in his senior campaign.

Johnson has a high football IQ. He reads plays well and gets into good position to make plays, which makes up for his average speed.

He can play both press coverage and a looser zone. Because of his intelligence, he can step in and start right away as a rookie.

Realistic Candidates for the Packers to Pick in the First Round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Number One: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

The Packers may have to trade up to get Tetairoa McMillan, but he’d be worth the trade. The Arizona alum stands 6’4” and 213 pounds and has great footwork and hands.

McMillan also runs very well after the catch which would give the Packers a pair of receiving options who excel at running after the catch in McMillan and Tucker Kraft.

He can play on the boundary and in the slot and reminds many scouts of Tee Higgins. He would also be ready to make an impact as a rookie, which the Packers need at the receiver position.