Let’s be real for a second. The Green Bay Packers aren’t exactly known for doing what the mock draft "experts" want them to do. While everyone was screaming for a wide receiver in the first round for basically two decades, Brian Gutekunst and the front office were out here collecting defensive stalwarts like they were Pokémon cards. But the 2025 cycle changed everything.
If you’ve been following the 2025 draft results, you know the Packers finally broke the curse. They took Matthew Golden, the burner from Texas, at No. 23 overall. It was a massive statement. But now that we’re sitting in January 2026, looking back at how that entire packers 7 round mock draft 2025 played out, it’s clear that the real genius wasn't just in the first round. It was in the volume.
The Packers didn't just add a star; they rebuilt the trenches and the secondary while everyone else was distracted by the flashy names.
The Core Philosophy Behind the 2025 Picks
Gutekunst is a traits guy. Period. If you don’t have a high Relative Athletic Score (RAS), you’re probably not moving to Green Bay. This draft was a masterclass in that philosophy.
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Honestly, the draft board fell in a way that forced the Packers to balance immediate needs with long-term stability. While the trade for Micah Parsons—yeah, remember that bombshell?—cost them their 2026 first-rounder, the 2025 class had to be a "hit" across all seven rounds.
You’ve got to appreciate the balls it took to double down on the offensive line in the second round after taking a receiver. Anthony Belton from NC State isn't just a big human; he's a mountain. At 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds, he was the physical anchor the Packers needed to protect Jordan Love. It's funny how people thought they’d go defense there, but keeping Love upright is basically the only job that matters in Title Town.
Breaking Down the Day 3 Steals
Most mock drafts completely ignore the fifth and sixth rounds, but that’s where the Packers usually find their "glue" guys.
Take Collin Oliver from Oklahoma State. He was the 159th pick. On paper, he’s a bit "small" for a traditional 4-3 end at 240 pounds, but his speed off the edge is terrifying. He’s the type of situational rusher that keeps offensive coordinators awake at night.
Then you have Warren Brinson. Picking up a Georgia defensive lineman in the sixth round? That’s just a Gutekunst tradition at this point. Brinson brought that SEC-tested interior presence that the Packers desperately lacked after losing TJ Slaton to free agency.
Why This Packers 7 Round Mock Draft 2025 Still Matters
When you look at the roster today, in 2026, the secondary is still the biggest talking point. Even with Micah Robinson coming in late in the seventh round (No. 237 overall), the boundary corner spot is a revolving door.
Jaire Alexander is a legend, but injuries and age catch up to everyone. The 2025 draft was supposed to fix the depth, and it mostly did, but the lack of an elite shutdown corner—aside from maybe taking a flyer on Micah Robinson—shows that the work isn't done.
- Wide Receiver Depth: By taking Savion Williams in the third, they added a gadget player who actually produces.
- The O-Line Pivot: Shifting Elgton Jenkins to center and slotting in Anthony Belton at tackle was a chess move no one saw coming.
- The Parsons Impact: Trading a future first for a generational talent like Micah Parsons meant the 2025 rookies had to play meaningful snaps immediately.
It’s easy to look back and say they should have taken more defensive help earlier. Some fans wanted a defensive tackle in the second. Others were screaming for a safety. But the Packers stuck to their board. They prioritized the offensive infrastructure around Jordan Love, and honestly, can you blame them?
What Most People Missed in the Simulation
Basically, most people forgot about the compensatory picks. John Williams, the tackle from Cincinnati at No. 250, was a classic "throw a dart" pick that actually hit. He’s already shown he can be a reliable swing tackle.
In the modern NFL, you don't win by just hitting on your first-round pick. You win by finding starters in the fourth and fifth. Barryn Sorrell, the edge rusher from Texas taken at 124, has already outperformed his draft slot. He’s got that "heavy hands" style that fits the Packers' defensive identity perfectly.
The 2025 class was about one thing: Versatility. Every single player they drafted, from Golden to Williams, has the ability to play multiple roles. That’s how you survive a 17-game season. It’s not about having the best starting 11; it’s about having the 35th guy on the roster be better than the other team’s 35th guy.
Actionable Insights for the Next Cycle
If you’re looking at how the Packers approach the upcoming 2026 draft based on what happened in 2025, keep these things in mind:
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- Follow the RAS: If a prospect doesn't test like an elite athlete, the Packers will pass.
- The "Georgia" Connection: It’s not a meme. They really do love Bulldog defenders.
- Trenches First: Even if the skill positions look flashy, expect Gutekunst to draft at least two linemen every single year.
The 2025 class set the foundation for the current playoff run. It wasn't perfect, and they still need a true CB2, but the depth is the best it’s been in a decade. If you want to keep track of how these rookies are developing into year two, keep an eye on the training camp reports starting this July. The transition from "prospect" to "Packer" is usually where the real magic happens.
Focus on the development of Anthony Belton in the offseason. His footwork will be the difference between Jordan Love being an MVP candidate or being on the injury report.