We finally are here and we made it to the end of the 2025 draft cycle. The Green Bay Packers draft class is complete. They really attacked the defense on day three which was expected since they went all offense the first three rounds. While they did not have much in the way of openings for starters on defense; there were definite needs for depth. Lets get to it.
How Do They Fit With The Packers In 2025?
Lets of course start with the first pick of day three Barryn Sorrell the edge rusher from Texas. As what seems everyone in the world knows the Packers pass rush struggled this past season. Most media expected the Packers to draft an edge rusher early because of this. The Packers did not feel the same way since they had just drafted Lukas Van Ness with a top 15 pick just two years ago and he had yet to have a chance to be a regular starter, plus they just gave a lot of money to Gary and had drafted a solid rotational edge in Kingsley Enagbare.
The Packers obviously did feel that the group needed some depth and some competition. Sorrell is a strong pass rusher who has a ton of experience. The plan likely this season for him is to at least be the #4 edge rusher to help give them that little extra boost when starters need rest. While not the Packers traditional large edge rusher, he has good size, but does bring a little bit more bend and agility than the Packers other three edge rushers. He should be able to help out with some special teams as well.
In fifth round the Packers selected Collin Oliver, a linebacker/edge rusher hybrid in Oklahoma State’s 3-3-5 defense. He is definitely a departure from what the Packers have liked with their edge rushers. He is small (6’2 240, 31 1/8″ arms), fast and bendy. Oliver even has a ghost move which I don’t think any Packer’s edge rusher has even tried. Due to his experience and athleticism he could and will likely take on a number of roles.
For 2025 Oliver will likely play some SAM linebacker on early downs. At Oklahoma State he showed he could play linebacker and has the skills, vision, and physicality to do it. Oliver can play the run from the linebacker position. He even showed he could cover some. Oliver then could be used as an occasional 3rd down pass rusher. Of course where he might have the biggest impact as a rookie will be on special teams.
Warren Brinson, the defensive tackle from Georgia was the next pick. Brinson is big and athletic, but that athleticism hasn’t translated to much production. He has versatility where he can play anywhere from one-tech all the way out to five-tech. Brinson has some pass rush potential as a bull-rusher, but mostly likely due to how Hafley uses his defensive tackles Brinson will back up Kenny Clark at the one-tech.
corner Micah Robinson from Tulane was the next selection. Robinson likely profiles like a nickel in Green Bay, due to his size, length and athleticism. He is somewhat similar to another former Packer Shemar Jean-Charles. The Packers did not draft any other corners, so he has a pretty good chance at making the roster despite being a 7th rounder. With the top four essentially set Robinson likely will spend his rookie year playing special teams and filling in if there is any sort of injury.
To their final pick John Williams, he was a multi-year starting left tackle for Cincinnati, but he is definitely a candidate to move inside. He will get cross trained of course and could fill in at right tackle as well if needed. Williams is probably a better fit for Green Bay than last years 6th round pick Travis Glover. The likely plan for Williams in 2025 is a “redshirt” year with maybe some snaps taken on special teams.
What Is The Plan Going Forward?
We will start with Sorrell. The likely plan for the future is if he shows enough that they may let Kingsley Enagbare walk when he becomes a free agent. Sorrell would then become the #3 edge rusher and see a lot of snaps. This all obviously depends on his development and of course how Enagbare plays and LVN’s development as well.
For Oliver a lot again will depend on his development, but he could end up becoming the starting SAM linebacker that rushes the passer on occasion. This would give Green Bay three really athletic linebackers that can all rush the passer/blitz.
With Brinson if he does develop the plan could be to let Kenny Clark walk and let Brinson be the starting one-tech. If not he still could be a decent depth piece and back up along the defensive line because he can bull rush a little and stop the run.
As far as Robinson a lot will depend on what happens with Javon Bullard and how he develops, of course Robinson’s development will matter as well. But, likely at least for now the long term plans for him is to play special teams and down the line to become the Packers dime back.
John Williams does have developmental upside, but of course he has a number of plays ahead of him. If Belton can not keep his weight down and clean up his technical flaws Williams could develop into a starting guard in the NFL. He has the potential to. The plan thought likely is for him to develop into a solid back up swing guard and right tackle.
For More Great Content
Follow me on Twitter @bmaafiNFL and follow us @GridironHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in NFL and College Football, Click here!
