After a blockbuster trade last offseason that brought Micah Parsons to Green Bay, the Packers entered the 2025 NFL Draft without a first-round selection — but with plenty to build on. Despite sitting out Day 1, the front office managed to pull together one of the most balanced, value-driven classes the cheeseheads have seen in a while. From a potential future star at running back to much-needed reinforcements in the trenches, the Packers front office walked away with a haul that fits both short-term depth and long-term vision.
Round 2, Pick 42 – HB Nicholas Singleton (Penn State)
Sometimes you don’t draft for need — you draft for talent. The Packers struck gold in the second round with Nicholas Singleton. At 6 ‘0, 224 lbs, he combines power and burst, and his Penn State career backs that up: Singleton posted over 1,000 rushing yards in both 2022 and 2023, averaging 6.8 and 6.4 yards per carry, with double-digit touchdowns in each season.
While signing Josh Jacobs two offseasons ago seemingly locked up the RB position, and with the recent off-season signing of Jaylen Warren this pick may come as a shock to some fans, but when talent is there you need to seize it. Green Bay views Singleton as the heir-apparent to Josh Jacobs, both a luxury and a long-term investment. The goal? Let Jacobs continue to handle the workload now while Singleton develops, then transition him into a feature back role.
“Josh is still our guy,” Coach Woodson said, “but we want to make sure we’re setting ourselves up for sustained success. Singleton gives us that.” Expect a rotational role early on, easing him into NFL speed while Jacobs carries the bulk of touches.
Round 3, Pick 75 – RG Jaeden Roberts (Alabama)
Green Bay entered the draft needing a plug-and-play interior lineman, and they found one. Jaeden Roberts, a mauler from Alabama, is projected to start Week 1. Listed at 6’5”, 327 lbs, Roberts brings an elite balance of power and awareness, he has the size, technique, and pedigree you want protecting your QB. Scouts praised the Packers for landing a “bang-for-buck” starter in the third round. Expect Roberts to anchor the right guard spot and give you front-line stability for years—and free up more playable assets elsewhere.
Round 4, Pick 108 – LB Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech)
Rodriguez adds valuable depth to the linebacker unit, offering positional flexibility and a high football IQ. Addressing depth and future flexibility, Rodriguez is the kind of smart pick that shines in the long-term. At 6 ‘1, 230 lbs, coming out of Texas Tech, J-Rod posted 74 tackles, one sack, seven forced fumbles, and two interceptions during his senior season.
While not projected as an immediate starter in your Madden roster, Rodriguez gives you quality special-teams production now and the chance to develop into a rotational linebacker next season. “He’s the kind of player who just knows how to find the football,” LB coach Clay Matthews said.
Round 5, Pick 139 – S DQ Smith (South Carolina)
Locker-room nickname “Dairy Queen” already flying. Smith, at 6’1”, 219 lbs, brings a hybrid safety/linebacker profile that fits well in sub-packages and box-defense looks. Nicknamed “Dairy Queen” by his teammates, DQ Smith might not have been a need pick — but he’s already a fan favorite in the locker room. Smith, at 6 ‘1, 219 lbs, brings the kind of physicality Green Bay loves in sub-packages and box-defense looks. Expect him to line up in the box as a hybrid safety/linebacker, wreaking havoc on short-yardage plays. He might not shine immediately—but his larger body and versatility could surprise you down the line.
Round 6, Pick 183 – QB Kaidon Salter (Colorado)
The Packers entered the draft hoping to find a developmental quarterback — and got exactly that in Kaidon Salter. A dual-threat with an MVP-level arm and mobility. Listed at 6 ‘1, 190 lbs, he threw for 1,242 yards and 10 touchdowns in his latest season, with a QBR in the 70s, not the greatest but something to build on.
A dual-threat playmaker with great pocket awareness, Salter will back up Jordan Love while learning the nuances of the offense. “He’s the type of player who makes everyone better in practice,” Woodson said. “We’re excited about his potential.”
Round 7, Pick 219 – TE Terrance Carter Jr. (Texas Tech)
With both Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft in the final year of their contracts, Terrance Carter Jr. could be a future contributor. For now, he’ll start on the practice squad, but his combination of size and athleticism makes him a sleeper to watch next offseason.
Final Thoughts:
- A true feature back in Singleton
- A plug-and-play guard in Roberts
- Depth with upside in Rodriguez
- A versatile defensive hybrid in Smith
- A high-upside QB in Salter
- A developmental TE in Carter
That’s balanced value, long-term potential, and foundation pieces for a dynasty. The Micah Parsons trade gives the Pack star power now, this draft provides building blocks that could sustain the franchise for years.
