Packers 2025 draft preview: Big investment already made at off-ball linebacker

The Green Bay Packers will go into the 2025 NFL draft with eight draft picks and plenty of roster needs to address after limping to the finish line of an otherwise promising season in 2024.

Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur believe their team is ready to start competing for championships, but the Packers still need to find more early contributors and long-term foundational pieces in this year’s draft.

Can the Packers use the 2025 draft to solidify their status as one of the NFC’s top contenders?

Packers Wire’s position-by-position draft preview continues at linebacker:

On the roster

Quay Walker: 25 years old, signed through 2025 season
Isaiah McDuffie: 24 years old, signed through 2026 season
Edgerrin Cooper: 23 years old, signed through 2027 season
Ty’Ron Hopper: 23 years old, signed through 2027 season
Kristian Welch: 26 years old, signed through 2025 season

Short-term need

Low. The Packers are bringing back three players who started games at linebacker last season, including 2022 first-round pick Quay Walker and 2024 second-round pick Edgerrin Cooper. Isaiah McDuffie signed a two-year deal after starting 25 games over the last two seasons, and 2024 third-round pick Ty’Ron Hopper will enter his second season with bigger expectations.

The Packers also signed Kristian Welch, a veteran special teamer, to help replace Eric Wilson, who departed in free agency. The roster needs numbers, but the big investment at the position has already been made.

Long-term need

Low. The Packers need to decide the fifth-year option on Walker, who would be entering the final year of his deal if it isn’t exercised this offseason. Even if the team declines, the Packers have made it clear they want Walker around long-term.

Cooper and Hopper are both signed for three more years, and McDuffie was reupped for two years. Even in a 4-3 base defense, the Packers are in good shape long-term — assuming Walker gets a new deal eventually and Hopper develops into a useful player.

Chances of drafting position

Low to moderate. The Packers need more bodies at linebacker, so a draft pick can’t be ruled out. There will be options on Day 3.

Also, the team had Isaiah Simmons in Green Bay for a visit last week, suggesting the team is still searching for more depth on the veteran market. If the Packers can’t find a possible Day 3 option, Simmons could be a post-draft answer.

Depth of draft class

Fine. There is only one likely first-round pick at linebacker (Jihaad Campbell), and it’s possible only two off-ball linebackers will go in the first two rounds.

It’s not a top heavy class. But Dane Brugler of The Athletic still has 24 linebackers with a draftable grade, including 20 that could go on Day 3. There is depth where the Packers would be drafting a linebacker, and several good mid-to-late round fits from a size and athleticism standpoint.