Packers Blitz Episode #98 2025 Packers Draft Rounds 1-3

🏈 *Topic: Free Agency Recap & 2025 NFL Draft Preview (Rounds 1-3)* 🎧 **Part 1: Welcome Back, Packer Nation!** - John and Andy return after a 2-month hiatus—Andy blames Iron Maiden karaoke for the delay. - Andy compares *Packers Blitz* to *Stella Artois*—“excellent, refined, and distinctive.” - Tonight's focus: Packers free agency moves and possible draft selections in the first 3 rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.💸 **Part 2: Packers Free Agency Recap🔒 Big-Time Signings: 1. **👷‍♂️ Aaron Banks (LG)** – 4 yrs/$77M - Former 49er, now 3rd highest paid LG in the league. - Will likely slot in at LG, moving Elgton Jenkins to C. - Some analysts question whether he can elevate the line. - Packers appear to be shifting toward a beefier, run-first O-line. 2. **🛡️ Nate Hobbs (CB)** – 4 yrs/$48M - Former Raider, physical and elite against the run. - Slated to play outside or in the slot. - Embraced the Green Bay vibe: “It reminded me of a college-y town.” ✅ Sneaky-Good Signing: - **Brandon McManus (K)** – Kicking accuracy that brings back memories of Jan Stenerud.🎙️ John’s Input:** Other notable signings? Any NFC North moves that stood out?📋 **Part 3: Packers 2025 NFL Draft Preview** 🟢 **Round 1 – Pick #23** - **WR Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State)** – Crisp route runner, potential instant impact. - **EDGE Mykel Williams (Georgia)** – Versatile edge talent, but a boom-or-bust risk. - **EDGE Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M)** – Athletic but raw; classic Packers upside pick. - **WR Matthew Golden (Texas)** – Speedster with 4.29 40 time. - **EDGE James Pierce Jr. (Tennessee)** – 19.5 career sacks, explosive edge rusher. - **CB Jahdae Barron (Texas)** – Physical and polished, high-end DB potential. - **DT Derrick Harmon (Oregon)** – Disruptive interior force; 5 sacks, 11 TFL in 2024. - **DT Walter Nolen (Ole Miss)** – Massive talent, but loyalty/consistency are question marks. **ANDY’S PICKS**: - *“If I were Guty”* — **DT Derrick Harmon** - *“Most Likely”* — **CB Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky)** – 4.28 speed, Jaire-like skills. **JOHN’S PICK**: - *Trade up to #19 (TB)* to draft **CB Will Johnson (Michigan)** or - Trade down with **Philly at #32** for flexibility.🟢 **Round 2 – Pick #54** - **WR Tre Harris (Ole Miss)** – Great production, but some ball security concerns. - **WR Jayden Higgins (Iowa State)** – Big body, field-stretcher. LaFleur prototype. - **WR Jack Bech (TCU)** – Strong Senior Bowl, 9.26 RAS score. - **CB Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame)** – Smart, productive, but missed time in 2024. **ANDY’S PICKS**: - *“If I were GM”* — **WR Jayden Higgins** - *“Most Likely”* — **Jayden Higgins again** (it’s a clean sweep). **JOHN’S PICK**: - *“Higgy Baby”* — Jayden Higgins gets John’s stamp too.**Round 3 – Pick #87** - **WR Savion Williams (TCU)** – 6’5”, triple-threat: receiving, running, passing! - **WR Jalen Royals (Utah)** – 15 TDs in 2023, strong production, solid speed. - **OL Charles Grant (William & Mary)** – Great pass-blocker but may be too small for GB’s current O-line direction. - **OT Anthony Belton (NC State)** – Massive tackle, potential anchor, but heavy.---🧀 **Final Takeaways** - Packers seem to be transitioning to a heavier, more physical identity on offense. - Defense remains a focus, especially in the trenches and the secondary. - DT and WR are clear needs heading into the draft. - John and Andy are dialed in—and united on “Higgy Baby.” - The draft is less than 2 weeks away — buckle up, Packer Nation! *Thanks for listening to Episode #98 of Packers Blitz. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the pod with your fellow Cheeseheads! GO PACK GO!* 🧀💚