The 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay wasn’t just another event—it was a game-changing spectacle that captivated the entire nation, turning the city’s traditionally small sports market into a buzzing epicenter of football fervor. On Thursday, over 200,000 fans—nearly double the city’s population—poured into Lambeau Field and the surrounding areas, creating an electric atmosphere unlike anything seen before.
Packers legends like Clay Matthews, Jordy Nelson, and James Jones made their mark at various points throughout the event, but the real drama was centered on whether GM Brian Gutekunst could deliver a draft that would live up to the hype. With the team heading into the draft with pressing needs at cornerback, edge rusher, and wide receiver, Gutekunst’s decision-making would be under intense scrutiny.
Sticking to the traditional, no-frills approach that he inherited from the late Ted Thompson, Gutekunst had the green light from President and CEO Mark Murphy to make the right call for the Packers—even if it meant trading down.
Then came a jaw-dropping moment that stole the show: Murphy announced that, for the first time since 2002, the Packers were taking a wide receiver in the first round. After a tough playoff loss, Josh Jacobs had boldly requested a top-tier receiving weapon, and Gutekunst responded by selecting Texas standout Matthew Golden.
Golden, standing at 5’11” and just under 200 pounds, is a dynamic playmaker capable of lining up anywhere and taking the top off any defense. His selection immediately positions him as the Packers’ future No. 1 target, potentially pushing Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs to the edges of the team’s long-term plans. Meanwhile, Jayden Reed solidifies his place as the most secure of the young receivers, his versatility making him an essential piece of Matt LaFleur’s inventive offense.
Golden’s arrival will likely mean fewer opportunities for players like Dontayvion Wicks, and in the long run, Watson and Doubs might find their roles shrinking as the offense evolves. But the Packers weren’t done yet. On Friday, after grabbing another massive offensive lineman in Round 2, Green Bay doubled down on their receiving corps, selecting Savion Williams in Round 3. The TCU product shared that he had given Golden a tour of the Fort Worth campus years ago, cementing their connection as teammates.
By drafting both Golden and Williams back-to-back, Gutekunst and the front office made it clear: they weren’t just adding depth—they were completely overhauling the wide receiver room. Gutekunst expressed surprise that two of his first three picks were wideouts, but it was clear that the team was simply taking the best players available, and the result was a track meet in Green Bay’s receiving group. With Golden (4.29), Watson (4.36), Reed (4.45), Williams (4.48), and newly signed return specialist Mecole Hardman (4.33) all boasting blazing speed, the competition for roster spots will be fierce, with players like Bo Melton, Malik Heath, Hardman, and possibly Wicks all fighting for survival in training camp.
Golden looks like a lock for a starting outside receiver role, especially with Watson sidelined until midseason, while Williams could become a versatile weapon in LaFleur’s offense, much like Reed. With Watson and Doubs both entering contract years, and key players like Zach Tom, Quay Walker, and Devonte Wyatt needing extensions, Gutekunst may be orchestrating a shift in the receiver room, positioning the team for a future where new faces replace the old.
Golden’s performance will be under close scrutiny, with expectations high for him to become a top target in the offense. If he stays healthy, he could easily find himself anywhere from WR1 to WR3, with Reed and Doubs filling roles in between. Reed has been a consistent contributor, though not necessarily a game-changer, while Doubs has been steady at the X receiver spot but hasn’t quite shown the upside that the team may be looking for. The recent picks suggest the Packers are ready to move on from Doubs’ limited potential.
While the final depth chart and roles are still up in the air, one thing is certain: Matt LaFleur’s offense just got a whole lot more exciting, and Jordan Love’s path to success just became significantly easier. Fans and the media have been clamoring for a shift, and to deliver this electrifying moment in front of a raucous Green Bay crowd made it all the more special.
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