By Peter Bukowski | The Leap | April 21, 2025
Draft week is here, and so is the idea of creating a perfect-but-realistic draft scenario for the Green Bay Packers.
✅ Ideal 1st Round Pick: Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)
“Tetairoa McMillan in the first round, and I don’t care about the rest.”
— Peter Bukowski
McMillan (T-Mac) is considered the only “no-doubt” WR1 in this class, even more impactful than Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter in terms of offensive fit for the Packers. He may not be a guaranteed hit, but his ceiling as a vertical threat and playmaker is what Jordan Love needs.
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Ran a slower-than-expected 40-yard dash (high 4.5s), but that may cause him to fall — a potential gift for Green Bay.
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If McMillan played against the Eagles in the playoffs, the outcome might’ve changed.
🤝 Backup Plan: Trade Down
If McMillan is gone, Green Bay could trade down with a team like the Kansas City Chiefs, who may want to jump up for an OT ahead of Houston.
Proposed Trade:
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Packers give: Pick 23 and 87
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Receive: Picks 31 and 63
🟡 Pick 31: Jayden Higgins (WR, Iowa State)
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Big-bodied, vertical X-receiver
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Better fit for Matt LaFleur’s offense than Luther Burden or Emeka Egbuka
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Plays faster than he tests (4.47), wins on vertical routes, backside balls, and power slot snaps
🟢 Pick 54: Landon Jackson (EDGE, Arkansas)
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High-upside pass rusher, elite physical traits
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Could go late Round 1 due to depth at DL in this draft
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46th on consensus boards, so could realistically fall
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Versatile: speed, length, and excellent against the run
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“More Packers-y than any other DL in the class”
🔵 Pick 63: T.J. Sanders (DT, South Carolina)
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Athletic SEC lineman, productive and physical
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Could replace or back up Devonte Wyatt
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Top 50-level talent worth trading up for
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Fits the Packers’ need and sweet spot for value
If Green Bay can’t get a cornerback at value, doubling up on pass rush with Jackson and Sanders gives them physicality and depth.
