The Green Bay Packers have already made a selection that has the fan base tremendously excited for next year. Texas Longhorn receiver Matthew Golden is staying in Green Bay. While it is a historic move for the historic franchise, who have not selected a wide receiver in the first round in over 20 years, some of Green Bay’s division rivals have made some moves coherent with their offseason strategy.
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Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears Both Invest in Skill Positions
Packers fans have been clamoring for a stud wideout for years, and the franchise hopes to have selected one on Thursday. Matthew Golden, considered one of the most explosive, big-play receivers in the draft, was selected 23rd overall by the Packers.
For the first time since 2002 when they drafted Javon Walker, the Green Bay Packers have used a first-round pick on a wide receiver.
At No. 23, the Packers select Texas WR Matthew Golden.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 25, 2025
The Packers were not the only NFC North squad investing in pass catchers. At No. 10 overall, the rival Chicago Bears selected Michigan TE Colston Loveland. He was a late burner in terms of draft hype in the media, but by all accounts, the Bears have made many other teams jealous with the selection.
Every year, there is a player who gets really hot really late, one that teams are scrambling to trade up for.
Last night, that player was #Michigan TE Colston Loveland. When the #Bears picked him at No. 10, the calls in the early teens quieted. There wasn’t a trade until 25.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 25, 2025
Loveland has been compared to players like former Saints great Jimmy Graham. He is a polished receiving threat with great speed for his size, nimble quickness, and a productive red zone target. New Bears head coach Ben Johnson is giving second-year quarterback Caleb Williams another intriguing weapon.
Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions Stay in the Trenches
As soon as the Matthew Golden pick was sent in, the rival Minnesota Vikings were on the clock at 24th overall. The Vikes invested in the offensive line, grabbing Ohio State Buckeye guard Donovan Jackson. A true mauler, Jackson will join free agent addition Will Fries in the interior of the offensive line and give the Vikings an imposing front line. Jackson also projects as someone who can play left tackle if stalwart Christian Darrisaw continues to experience injury issues.
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) and offensive tackle Josh Simmons (71) compete during the first half of the LifeSports spring football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday.
Donovan Jackson to the Vikings just might be my favorite pick of the night.
By the end of this past season, he had put on elite tape at both guard AND left tackle.
An extremely dependable, selfless player. He’s tough, rugged and athletic. Excellent football player.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 25, 2025
The Detroit Lions did not have to wait long to make their selection after Minnesota. At 28th overall, they selected Jackson’s teammate, interior defensive linemen Tyleik Williams. A massive body known for his run-stopping ability, the Lions continue to beef up in the inside to thwart the plethora of good running backs in the North.
The Packers will likely have some work to do in the trenches on Days 2 and 3 of the draft, as their rivals continue to invest in big bodies.
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