The Green Bay Packers have used a first-round pick on an offensive lineman only three times since 1998. They drafted Bryan Bulaga 23rd overall in 2010, followed by Derek Sherrod with the 32nd pick in 2011. After a 12-year gap, they finally added another in 2024, selecting Jordan Morgan at No. 25.
Most of Green Bay’s offensive line for 2025 is already set. Zach Tom and Rasheed Walker will start at tackle, while Elgton Jenkins will anchor the interior. His exact position depends on whether Brian Gutekunst retains center Josh Myers, an unrestricted free agent this offseason. If Myers re-signs, Jenkins will remain at guard, while Morgan and Sean Rhyan will battle for the right guard job.
Regardless of what they do with Myers, Green Bay’s bigger needs lie at cornerback, pass rush, and wide receiver. The last time the Packers drafted a receiver in the first round, Jordan Love hadn’t started kindergarten – and Javon Bullard wasn’t even born.
So, one would assume Gutekunst’s first-round pick could be an edge rusher or a cornerback. But what if the Packers went against their usual approach and took an offensive lineman in back-to-back years? That’s the scenario I explored in my first mock draft.
I traded down with the Baltimore Ravens because three offensive tackles were still available that I felt comfortable selecting when I was on the clock. The Kansas City Chiefs also showed interest in moving up, but I didn’t want to risk all three being off the board by pick 31.
Grey Zabel
With the 27th pick, I selected Grey Zabel, an offensive tackle from North Dakota State. Zabel played all five positions in college, logging over 2,000 snaps at tackle and more than 600 at guard. Zabel only allowed four sacks in 1,137 pass-blocking snaps. He brings the kind of versatility Gutekunst prioritizes in his offensive linemen.
It feels like Super Bowl LIX reminded everyone how much the trenches matter. As I mentioned, Green Bay doesn’t have an urgent need on the offensive line, but you can never have too many big guys protecting your franchise quarterback. I’m sure the fanbase would have mixed reactions if the Packers took an offensive lineman in the first round for the second consecutive year. However, I wouldn’t be surprised or critical of the pick – unless it was a major reach.
It’s also important for Green Bay to have a contingency plan in case contract negotiations stall with Tom and Walker. According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, the 2025 salary cap could reach $281.5 million per team, which means the free-agency market will inflate, and every NFL agent will push for bigger deals.
I believe Tom is a lock for an extension, and Walker is also trending in that direction, but front offices are paid to consider the present and future. While the Packers shouldn’t hesitate to re-sign their tackle duo, they must also be prepared for a scenario where one or both leave.
Shemar Turner
With the 55th pick, I selected Shemar Turner, a defensive tackle from Texas A&M. He feels like a Packer – quick, explosive, and versatile enough to play anywhere along the defensive line.
Kenny Clark isn’t getting any younger and is coming off a one-sack season. Devonte Wyatt is entering the final year of his rookie deal, T.J. Slaton is a free agent, and Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden have primarily been rotational players. Turner has a high-motor pass rush and can contribute immediately to a Green Bay defense that ranked 26th in pass-rush win rate in 2024.
Isaiah Bond
In the third round, I selected Isaiah Bond, a wide receiver from Texas. Bond is a true deep threat, something the Packers desperately need with Christian Watson sidelined until at least December. While Watson stands at 6’4″ and Bond is 5’11”, Green Bay isn’t looking to replicate Watson’s size – they need someone who can stretch the field with speed and create space for underneath routes. Bond can be that player while Watson recovers from his torn ACL.
Azareye’h Thomas
I also took a defensive back, Azareye’h Thomas from Florida. I took a bit of a booking-in-fantasyland approach and assumed the Packers would do their homework on cornerbacks in free agency. Thomas has great size and athleticism but needs some development at the pro level. He projects as a high-level backup with the potential to become a starter.
Does Gutekunst take a corner?
Brian Gutekunst has tripled up on wide receiver and safety in the past two drafts, and with Jaire Alexander’s time in Green Bay likely coming to an end, along with Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine, and Robert Rochell all set to hit free agency, it’s reasonable to expect a similar approach at cornerback. However, if this scenario plays out, it would suggest Green Bay was not aggressive in the cornerback market during free agency. In that case, I’d expect them to target a corner no later than Round 2.
No matter who Green Bay selects in the first round, there will be fans who love the pick and others who hate it. Regardless, the NFL seems to have noticed how important building in the trenches is, and we could see teams trying to replicate what Howie Roseman did with Philadelphia’s offensive and defensive lines. If the board aligns with their evaluations, I’d expect Green Bay to strongly consider going offensive line in Round 1.