12 Players The Packers Could Select At No. 23

When is perception not actually reality?

Perhaps when it comes to Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst.

Gutekunst often takes a beating for his performance in the first round of the NFL Draft. Upon closer inspection, though, Gutekunst has fared much better than given credit for.

Gutekunst has had nine first round picks during his seven drafts. Seven players are still on the roster, two have been Pro Bowl selections and Gutekunst gambled — and won — when he took quarterback Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 draft.

That’s a pretty solid résumé considering six of the nine first rounders were taken between picks No. 21 and 29.

Cornerback Jaire Alexander (2018) and defensive end Rashan Gary (2019) have made Pro Bowls, while Love has developed into a franchise quarterback. Linebacker Quay Walker (2023), defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (2023) and safety Darnell Savage (2019) have all been serviceable starters, or better.

Cornerback Eric Stokes (2021) had a terrific rookie season before injuries derailed his career. The verdict remains out on defensive end Lukas Van Ness (2023) and offensive lineman Jordan Morgan (2024).

Gutekunst holds the 23^rd overall pick this year, and Packer Nation can’t wait to see what’s next. Here are 12 players that could make sense for Gutekunst and the Packers.

1. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona (6-4, 215)

The Packers haven’t drafted a wide receiver in Round 1 since they took Javon Walker in 2002. Considering Gutekunst failed to add a player of significance to his mediocre group of wideouts in free agency, now seems to be the perfect time.

McMillan had a whopping 213 receptions for 3,423 and 26 touchdowns during his three-year career with the Wildcats. He was also third in the nation with 1,391 receiving yards last season.

McMillan is big, strong, and fast enough (4.53) and reminds many scouts of Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans. The Packers might have to trade up and into the middle of the first round to land McMillan, but if they hope to make a move in the NFC, adding a difference-maker at wide receiver is a must.

2. Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia (6-5, 267)

The Packers have a glaring need at defensive end, and no one loves Georgia players more than Gutekunst.

Williams is a strong, long-armed (34’ 3/8”) player who’s an ideal fit in Green Bay’s 4-3 scheme. He’s also an explosive athlete with terrific length and big hands (10 ¼”).

Williams played through an ankle injury in 2024. Still, his production at Georgia (67 tackles, 14 sacks in three years) doesn’t match his physical gifts.

3. Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon (6-4 ½, 320)

The Packers could use help inside and Harmon might make sense.

Harmon was a part-time starter during his three years at Michigan State (2021-’23), then transferred to Oregon in 2024. He finished his college career with 116 tackles, 8 ½ sacks and 18 TFLs.

Harmon has long arms (34 3/8”), huge hands (10 3/8”) and an impressive combination of size, strength and length.

4. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State (6-1, 202)

The Packers can host up to 30 prospects for pre-draft visits, and they often wind up selecting many of those players. Green Bay had Egbuka in for a visit earlier this month.

Egbuka is Ohio State’s all-time leader in receptions (205) and career receiving yards (2,868). He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds at his pro day, alleviating concerns about his speed. He can play outside or in the slot and could develop into the No. 1 wideout Love desperately needs.

5. Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas (5-11, 198)

Barron played all over the defense and excelled wherever he lined up. He ran a blazing 4.39 40-yard dash, has terrific hands and is an outstanding tackler for a corner. He finished his career at Texas with eight interceptions, 24 passes defensed and 21 tackles for loss. Barron lacks ideal size, though, and has short arms (29 5/8).

6. Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky (5-11, 183)

Assuming Jaire Alexander won’t be on the roster in 2025, Green Bay could use another corner. And the remarkably speedy Hairston might make sense.

Hairston’s 40-yard dash time of 4.27 seconds was the fastest at the NFL Combine. He also had a 39 ½-inch vertical jump, a broad jump of 10-9 and posted six interceptions and 10 passes defensed at Kentucky. While Hairston is undersized, remember he’s two inches taller than Alexander.

7. Matthew Golden, WR, Texas (5-11, 191)

Golden ran the 40-yard dash in 4.29 seconds at this year’s NFL Combine, fastest among all the wideouts. That alone means he could be off the board before Green Bay picks at No. 23.

Golden spent two years at Houston, then transferred to Texas where he had 58 receptions, nine TDs and averaged 17.0 yards per catch last year. He’s undersized, but can play outside and in the slot.

8. Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M (6-5, 270)

Stewart is a classic boom or bust pick.

Stewart had a fantastic performance at the NFL Combine where he shined in the 40-yard dash (4.58), posted a 40-inch vertical and led the defensive group with a broad jump of 10 feet, 11 inches.

Stewart had just 4.5 sacks in three seasons with the Aggies, though. He can be disruptive, but hasn’t come close to putting it all together.

9. James Pearce, DE, Tennessee (6-5, 248)

When Gutekunst was asked in February about undersized defensive ends in Green Bay’s 4-3 scheme, he said: “I think there is room for those kind of guys.”

Pearce would be one of those players.

Pearce is an explosive athlete who ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He also had 17.5 sacks over the last two seasons, including 10.0 in 2023.

There are many questions about his character, though, and he’s not heavy enough to play the run in a 4-3 scheme. Green Bay would have to use him like it once did with Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila — who had 74.5 career sacks.

10. Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan (6-3 ½, 330)

Some scouts believe Grant will eventually become a better pro than Michigan teammate Mason Graham, who will likely be selected in the top-5 picks. Right now, Grant isn’t in that category.

Grant is an inconsistent wide body who produced 11.5 TFL’s and 6.5 sacks in the last two seasons. He was sensational against eventual national champion Ohio State in 2024, and with the right coaching, he could become a standout.

11. Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama (6-4 ½, 326)

Offensive linemen Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom, and guard Sean Rhyan are all entering contract years. That means the Packers will need help up front in 2026.

The top tackles in this draft will be off the board when Green Bay picks, but the powerful Booker is widely considered the No. 1 guard. Booker’s not a special athlete, but his technique and I.Q. are terrific, and most agree he’ll be a 10-year player in the league.

12. Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi (6-3 ½, 300)

Nolen is the picture of a nomad and a walking definition of what sports have become.

Nolen played two seasons at Texas A&M, then transferred to Mississippi. He also played at three high schools and was enrolled at IMG Academy.

Nolen is extremely gifted, and tremendous against the run. He also had 11 ½ sacks, 114 tackles and 26 TFLs as a collegian. But questions linger about his attitude and desire.