As the draft unfolded, Mecole Hardman must've wondered what he was watching. The Green Bay Packers, a team that famously hadn't drafted a first-round wide receiver in over two decades, snapped that streak and followed it with another versatile pass-catcher in the third round.
The Packers' decision to draft Matthew Golden and Savion Williams puts Hardman's roster spot in serious jeopardy.
Hardman joined an already-crowded wide receiver room, hoping to carve his own niche. The three-time Super Bowl champion boasts a Pro Bowl selection as a return specialist on his resume, and his ability to play the versatile Tyler Ervin role in Matt LaFleur's offense added to his roster chances.
Then, the draft happened. The Packers landed two receivers with return experience, but it's Williams' arrival that specifically hurts Hardman. The TCU product has drawn comparisons to Cordarrelle Patterson — a multi-time All-Pro returner — and has almost unlimited upside as a do-it-all receiver.
Fortunately for LaFleur and the Packers, time is on their side to find order in a chaotic wide receiver room.
It promises to become one of the biggest positional battles awaiting in the months ahead. Green Bay's offseason workout program is underway, and before we know it, training camp and the preseason will arrive.
Roster building is a 365-day process, but the Packers' heavy lifting is complete. With free agency and the draft in the books, it's time for our early 53-man roster predictions.
Mecole Hardman misses out in way-too-early Packers 53-man roster projection
Quarterback (2): Jordan Love, Malik Willis
No controversy here. The Packers tend to keep two quarterbacks, and unless they find an upgrade for Sean Clifford, it will be Jordan Love and Malik Willis leading the way again in 2025.
Running back (4): Josh Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson, MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks
Don't count out undrafted free agent Amar Johnson, who got his wish by landing with the Packers after the draft. Green Bay became a run-first offense last season and will need good depth at the position. Johnson will push Chris Brooks for the final spot.
Wide receiver (5): Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Savion Williams
PUP: Christian Watson
Christian Watson likely won't be ready for Week 1 and may begin the season on the PUP list. These five receivers are the only roster locks (outside of Watson). Veterans Bo Melton and Malik Heath miss out, which is a tough call, as does Hardman. The former Chiefs and Jets receiver offers value on special teams, but Williams may win the return duties.
Tight end (3): Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, Ben Sims
Tucker Kraft became the Packers' clear No. 1 tight end last season. Green Bay will hope to get more from Luke Musgrave in Year 3 — he has shown game-changing potential but has missed 16 games in his first two seasons.
Offensive line (9): Rasheed Walker, Aaron Banks, Elgton Jenkins, Jordan Morgan, Zach Tom, Sean Rhyan, Anthony Belton, Kadeem Telfort, John Williams
Jordan Morgan's role is a story to watch throughout the summer. LaFleur said Morgan will compete with Rasheed Walker for the left tackle job, but right guard also remains in play. Morgan looked on track to beat Sean Rhyan for the job before a shoulder injury halted his momentum.
There are questions at the back end of the roster. We have Kadeem Telfort, who offers some positional versatility and played well last summer, just securing the final spot ahead of Donovan Jennings and Jacob Monk.
Defensive line (6): Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, Colby Wooden, Warren Brinson, Nazir Stackhouse
T.J. Slaton departs, but the Packers have added two run-stopping Georgia Bulldogs to the defensive line in Warren Brinson and Nazir Stackhouse. They should help fill the void left by Slaton, even if they play most of their snaps on first and second down. Hopefully, a defensive line coaching change will help Kenny Clark recapture his Pro Bowl best.
Edge-rusher (6): Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare, Barryn Sorrell, Collin Oliver, Brenton Cox Jr.
The Packers rolled the dice by ignoring the pass rush in free agency and early in the draft. The good news is that Barryn Sorrell is a possible Day 3 steal and could quickly make an impact. PFF credited him with an impressive 49 pressures last season. Sorrell knows how to make life miserable for quarterbacks.
For this group to succeed, it will require a collective effort from a group that significantly underperformed last season. The pressure on former first-rounder Lukas Van Ness is rapidly increasing.
Linebacker (5): Edgerrin Cooper, Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, Isaiah Simmons, Ty'Ron Hopper
Edgerrin Cooper showed star potential as a rookie, and his second act in the NFL could elevate the entire defense. The Packers brought in former first-rounder Isaiah Simmons, who offers some versatility. Ty'Ron Hopper needs to make a jump in his second season after Green Bay selected him in the third round a year ago.
Cornerback (5): Jaire Alexander, Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs, Carrington Valentine, Micah Robinson
Rumors have heated up that Jaire Alexander could stay in Green Bay, so we're keeping him in the 53. It eases the pressure on the Packers, who would desperately need more cornerback depth if Alexander departs. Nate Hobbs' inside/outside versatility makes him a valuable addition to the defense, while seventh-rounder Micah Robinson hopes to follow in Carrington Valentine's footsteps by becoming an instant contributor.
Safety (5): Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, Zayne Anderson, Kitan Oladapo
If it ain't broken, don't fix it. The Packers transformed their safety room a year ago, and this group has the potential to become even better in 2025. Xavier McKinney is coming off a first-team All-Pro season, while Evan Williams looked like a veteran, not a fourth-round rookie.
Specialists (3): Brandon McManus, Daniel Whelan, Matt Orzech
No changes on special teams, either. Brandon McManus solved the Packers' kicking woes, while Daniel Whelan has provided stability in the punting game. The only question is at long snapper, where Green Bay could add competition for Matt Orzech.