“Lack Star Power” Green Bay Packers Urged to Make Stunning NFL Draft Move

The Green Bay Packers have both historically, and under general manager Brian Gutekunst, prioritized building through the NFL Draft. This offseason has been no different.

While the Packers have potentially significantly upgraded the offensive line, and added quality depth in the secondary, the pressure is on Gutekunst and Green Bay to knock the 2025 NFL Draft class out of the park, especially after largely avoiding some of the most talented free agents at the top of the market.

One year removed from swinging for the fences by signing ascending safety Xavier McKinney, who became an All-Pro in his first season wearing a Packers uniform, and signing veteran running back Josh Jacobs as a potential focal point of the offense, the Packers’ marquee signings this March have been offensive guard Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs.

Both of those signings might wind up working out, but it’s difficult to envision either making an outsized McKinney or Jacobs type impact.

Could the Green Bay Packers trade up in the 2025 NFL Draft?

In his latest column for ESPN, Bill Barnwell suggests that the Packers should look to trade up from the No. 23 overall pick in the draft.

“Do the Packers lack star power,” Barnwell questions. “Maybe. They haven’t had a wide receiver top 800 yards since Davante Adams’ final season with the team in 2021 or had a pass rusher hit double-digit sacks since Za’Darius Smith did it in 2020. The highest-profile seasons have generally come from their imports. Jacobs racked up 1,671 yards from scrimmage last season. Safety Xavier McKinney’s eight interceptions led him to become a first-team All-Pro.”

The Packers’ philosophical reliance on building through the draft and consistent success developing homegrown talent certainly opens up optionality for Gutekunst to either stand pat at No. 23 overall and select the best player available–especially if it happens to be a wide receiver or edge rusher or cornerback, likewise, Green Bay can afford to be aggressive if the front office believes there’s a legitimate game changer at one of their positions of need.