With the 2025 NFL Draft just a few weeks away, the Green Bay Packers have a decision to make on what to do with the 23rd overall selection in the first round.
Some fans and pundits alike believe the Packers will buck a 20-plus-year trend (and annoy Aaron Rodgers) by taking a wide receiver in the opening round for the first time since 2002. And there will certainly be no shortage of options there, as this is a fairly deep pass-catching class.
Others, meanwhile, seem to think Green Bay will address the issues the franchise has at cornerback. And that's whether the franchise opts to keep Jaire Alexander or not. The pool at that position is a little more shallow, especially at the top, but the Packers could still get a solid player at No. 23.
Adding an edge rusher is a popular option as well. And again, with a number of strong options available, Green Bay is in good shape.
Now, while there have been several discussions involving the Packers possibly trading up in the first round to perhaps get a better player, there hasn't been much talk about them trading down. While they've got at least one pick in each of the seven rounds, they've only got eight overall, marking the first time the franchise hasn't had double-digit selections since 2021.
With the Packers having made just three external additions during free agency, GM Brian Gutekunst may want a few extra picks. And if he believes the Packers can still get the player they want while also getting those additional selections, he may be willing to pull the trigger for the right price.
But if Gutekunst wants to go this route, the Minnesota Vikings may throw a monkey wrench into those plans.
Allow us to explain.
The Vikings' lack of draft picks may hurt the Packers if Green Bay wants to trade down
As mentioned, the Packers hold the 23rd overall selection in the first round. And right behind them are the Vikings at No. 24.
And that No. 24 overall selection is one of only four picks Minnesota has in the entire 2025 draft. There's a third-round compensatory pick for losing Kirk Cousins (No. 97), a fifth-rounder (No. 139), a sixth-rounder (No. 187), and that's it.
So, why should that matter to Green Bay?
For the sake of argument, let's say a team wants to trade up from the second or third round into the later part of the first round. Chances are the player that team would want would still be available at either No. 23 or No. 24. There's no guarantee of that, of course, but the likelihood is high.
With the Vikings having just four picks, it's reasonable to think they'd be willing to take one extra pick when the Packers may want two. Or two and three, but I think you get the overall point that a trade with Minnesota would likely require less draft capital than a deal with Green Bay.
This is all hypothetical, of course, but it's certainly something to think about as the draft inches closer.
