The Green Bay Packers have concluded their selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. To say that there were a few surprises with general manager Brian Gutekunst’s selections would be an understatement.
For the first time in 23 years, Green Bay took a wide receiver in the first round. Matthew Golden, out of Texas, has a chance to become the Packers’ first bonified number one wide receiver since the days of Davante Adams.
But what was most surprising to many was the fact that, after the first round, Green Bay continued to draft offensive players on Day Two. They took offensive lineman Anthony Belton in the second round and wide receiver Savion Williams in the third.
Why Were the Green Bay Packers Day Two Selections Surprising?
Many fans were surprised by Green Bay’s Day Two selections because they expected the Packers to draft an edge rusher and/or cornerback early.
The team’s pass rush was underwhelming last season, and there was a belief that the front office would look to the draft to improve that room since they did not sign any pass rushers in free agency.
The cornerback room saw three different players leave in free agency: Corey Ballentine, Robert Rochelle, and Eric Stokes. But while Nate Hobbs was signed in free agency, fans expected cornerback to be an early target due to the unclear future of Jaire Alexander with the organization.
For months, team insiders have reported that the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback would not be back with the team in 2025. Alexander played just seven games last season due to injury, and played just seven games in 2023 because of different ailments and a team suspension.
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur Makes a Shocking Jaire Alexander Announcement
But the weeks have come and gone with no update on Alexander’s future, despite the fact that the cornerback himself told the media he was not sure he would be back in 2025.
Many thought that the Packers might try to trade him leading up to or during the draft, but of course that did not happen.
And while some still think he might be released, head coach Matt LaFleur revealed that his two-time Pro Bowler has been an active participants in the team’s virtual offseason program:
Of course, this does not guarantee that Alexander is going to return in 2025, but it is a good indicator that his relationship with the organization is improving. It is also noteworthy that Green Bay did not take a cornerback in the NFL Draft until the seventh round.
This should be good news for everybody as the Packers are clearly a better team with him on the field.
