Here we’ll try to look at the Green Bay Packers veteran players whose roles will be pushed by rookies in the 2025 NFL season.
The Green Bay Packers have long prided themselves on building through the draft and developing talent from within. Entering the 2025 season, however, that philosophy is taking on new urgency.
With a roster in flux and question marks on both sides of the ball, several veteran players are feeling the heat as a hungry crop of rookies are ready to make their mark.
From the trenches to the wide receiver room, Green Bay’s veterans will need to bring their best to camp or risk losing snaps to first-year challengers.
Packers’ Offseason Lacked Pop
It was a bumpy and somewhat underwhelming offseason for Green Bay. The headline move came with the recent release of Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander.
Sure, this move freed up $17 million in cap space this season. Still, it left a gaping hole in the secondary. The team does have Nate Hobbs and rookie Micah Robinson from Tulane.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) and safety Rudy Ford (20) celebrate after breaking up a pass play against the Minnesota Vikings during their football game at Lambeau Field.
Elsewhere, the team shelled out for Aaron Banks in free agency.
He is solid but arguably overpaid. Their draft class centered around wide receiver Matthew Golden.
He is a dynamic speed threat selected in the first round who offers immediate upside. Second-round pick Anthony Belton and Day 3 receiver Savion Williams rounded out the offensive additions.
Still, many league observers question whether the Packers actually got better in 2025. One thing is certain—some rookies are already turning heads in OTAs. Their emergence could shake up the depth chart in short order.
Here we’ll try to look at the Green Bay Packers veteran players whose roles will be pushed by rookies in the 2025 NFL season.
1. A Battle for the Trenches
Rasheed Walker held down a key role on Green Bay’s offensive line last season and showed steady development. However, his job is far from secure heading into camp.
That’s because second-round rookie Anthony Belton is pushing hard for a starting role. Yes, Belton played left tackle at NC State.
That said, the Packers are eyeing him as a potential starter at right guard. That’s a shift that will demand adjustments in footwork, technique, and leverage.
Of course, Belton brings athletic upside and positional versatility that Green Bay covets in its linemen.
The coaching staff has made it clear that they’re willing to shuffle players across the line to get their best five on the field. Belton’s rapid progress could tilt the balance.
Walker will need to show he can elevate his game, especially in pass protection, to fend off the rookie’s charge.
2. Pass Rush Gets a Jolt
Lukas Van Ness entered the league with high expectations.
However, his impact has yet to match the hype. Despite occasional flashes, the Packers’ defense finished 27th in pass rush win rate last season.
That’s an unacceptable number for a team hoping to compete in the NFC North.
Enter Barryn Sorrell out of Texas. He brings much-needed juice to the front seven. Sorrell excelled in a hybrid role at Texas.
He racked up career highs in sacks and pressures while lining up all over the defensive line. His ability to rush from multiple angles—including the interior—gives Green Bay a versatile defensive weapon to deploy in creative packages.
