Three Roster Moves the Packers Should Make Following the 2025 NFL Draft
Although the Green Bay Packers addressed key needs during the 2025 NFL Draft, general manager Brian Gutekunst still has work to do to round out the team’s roster. The draft helped in several areas, but gaps remain, especially in the secondary, the defensive line, and the backfield.
1. Address the Cornerback Position
Green Bay’s secondary remains a concern. While they selected cornerback Micah Robinson in the seventh round, the pick doesn’t offer much immediate impact. Robinson, a transfer from Furman to Tulane, has straight-line speed but lacks agility for slot coverage and ideal size. He might struggle to make the final roster.
The bigger issue is Jaire Alexander’s availability. Despite being a talented two-time Pro Bowler with 12 career interceptions, injuries have limited him to just seven games in both 2023 and 2024, and only four in 2021. With two years left on a lucrative four-year contract, the team must decide whether to retain, trade, or release him.
Current options at cornerback include Keisean Nixon, Isaiah Dunn, Carrington Valentine, and others, but depth and reliability are still in question.
2. Reinforce the Interior Defensive Line
The defensive tackle rotation, led by starters Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt, lacks depth. Backups include Colby Wooden, Karl Brooks, and James Ester. The team added Warren Brinson in the sixth round, hoping his athleticism and pass-rushing upside can make an impact. At 6’5″ and 315 pounds, he could offer more than departed lineman Tedarrell Slaton.
While Gutekunst expressed confidence in the overall roster, noting that the team could compete immediately, internal depth—especially on the defensive line—will be key for a team with postseason ambitions.
Wyatt’s future is another consideration. The team has yet to decide whether to exercise his fifth-year option, but the goal is to keep him and linebacker Quay Walker beyond the 2025 season, either through extensions or team options.
3. Bolster the Running Back Group
Josh Jacobs leads the backfield, but he comes with heavy mileage, having surpassed 1,800 career touches—including 337 in 2024. If he’s unable to stay healthy, the depth behind him is unproven. Emanuel Wilson is currently second on the depth chart, and MarShawn Lloyd is returning from an injury-plagued rookie year, during which he appeared in just one game.
Lloyd remains optimistic about the upcoming season, viewing the challenges of his rookie year as a learning experience. Still, the Packers would be wise to add a reliable veteran or another young back to ensure stability behind Jacobs.
