The Green Bay Packers have some solid offensive weapons, but the team is still searching for a clear No. 1 option. Running back Josh Jacobs was a standout in 2024, and while the receivers all contributed, none of them emerged as the dominant playmaker. The Packers had four pass-catchers over 600 receiving yards, but none were able to establish themselves as the go-to target for quarterback Jordan Love.
Green Bay handed Love a big extension last offseason, but now it needs to give him more consistent weapons. After failing to address that need in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Packers are expected to go after a big-impact receiver in the first round.
Green Bay Packers Expected To Select a Clear WR1 in 2025 NFL Draft
The 2024 campaign was a strange one for te Green Bay. Despite a solid overall record, the Packers never quite reached the NFC’s elite tier. Green Bay went 0-6 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings, and the lack of a dominant outside receiver was evident, especially in key moments.
Jayden Reed showed flashes of potential but struggled with consistency, while Christian Watson’s talent was overshadowed by injury issues. Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks are solid role players, but none of them have proven to be the go-to guy the Packers need. Without a true WR1, Green Bay finished eighth by PFSN’s Offense+ metric.
After failing to make any upgrades in free agency, the Packers are now looking to the draft to find someone who can step in and make an immediate impact. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. predicts that Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka will be selected by Green Bay at No. 23 overall.
“Egbuka’s game is really refined,” Kiper said. “He’s a great route runner. He has good hands. He reads the defense well. And while Green Bay doesn’t have much history of drafting wide receivers on Day 1 (Javon Walker was the last one in 2002), this seems like a good year to break that streak.”
Kiper added: “Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Romeo Doubs all have injury concerns, and I’m not sure any of them are true WR1s when healthy. Egbuka had 1,011 receiving yards last season, and he could make an immediate impact on this offense.”
Egbuka brings a dynamic skill set that would give Green Bay’s offense a much-needed boost. At 6’1” with sharp footwork and elite separation skills, he can stretch defenses from the slot and offer Love a reliable target.
By the end of his career at Ohio State, Egbuka totaled 24 touchdowns and 2,868 receiving yards, proving himself to be a dependable red-zone threat. His quickness off the line and ability to exploit coverage gaps could help Green Bay on third downs and in clutch situations.
PFSN’s Draft Projection for Egbuka and the Packers
In PFSN’s latest mock draft by Anthony Pasciolla, the Packers are expected to address their cornerback position, with rumors swirling about Jaire Alexander potentially being traded.
“Jahdae Barron would be in a fantastic position if he’s drafted by the Green Bay Packers,” Pasciolla wrote. “If Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander returns, Barron could learn a lot from him. But if Alexander is traded, Barron could step into a significant role right away.”
“Barron lacks the elite athleticism of other cornerbacks, but his tackling, physical presence, and play strength are exactly what the NFL needs from slot defenders.”
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Meanwhile, in the same mock draft, Egbuka is snapped up by the Seattle Seahawks with the 18th pick.
“The Seahawks lost wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, leaving young Jaxon Smith-Njigba and veteran Cooper Kupp to lead the new-look offense,” Pasciolla wrote. “Adding a final weapon for ex-Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold could help unlock the best version of the free-agent addition.”
