Packers 2025 mock draft Week 5: Rashan Gary struggles cause change of plan
The Green Bay Packers' pass rush has disappointed in the opening quarter of the regular season. Jeff Hafley's new scheme was supposed to unlock this group's potential by simplifying the calls to allow them to make plays.
It's particularly noticeable that Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark have made slow starts. Gary's declining numbers date back to last season, while Clark is still waiting for his first sack or quarterback hit.
While it's easy to blame Hafley's system, the tape tells a different story. Gary hasn't looked at his best all season, including struggling to beat tight end Josh Oliver on one pass-rush snap against the Minnesota Vikings. We know how good Gary can be, but with one sack in his past 11 games, it's understandable if fans are hitting the panic button.
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Along with Gary's struggles, veteran Preston Smith is a potential cap casualty in 2025, creating an under-the-radar need at edge rusher. This three-round mock draft solves the problem.
Packers replace Preston Smith in 2025 NFL mock draft entering Week 5
Round 1 (17): Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Abdul Carter is one of the most exciting pass rushers in the upcoming class. He could be a moveable chess piece in Jeff Hafley's defense—he has switched to edge rusher this season after previously playing inside linebacker. With experience dropping into coverage, Hafley could move him around, even if his best work comes off the edge.
According to PFF, Carter had a pass-rush win rate of 24.8 percent last season, and he is off to a fast start in 2024 with three sacks and seven tackles for loss in four games.
Carter has drawn comparisons to Micah Parsons and could become a star in Hafley's system.
Round 2 (49): Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
The Packers faced a nightmare scenario at cornerback in Week 4 with Jaire Alexander and Carrington Valentine out of the lineup. Minnesota Vikings receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison combined for 157 yards and two touchdowns against Green Bay's banged-up secondary.
It's a problem Packers fans saw coming a million miles away in the offseason, and GM Brian Gutekunst must fix it next spring.
Kentucky's Maxwell Hairston is a playmaker. Since the start of last season, he has made six interceptions with three pick-sixes. Per PFF, in 2023, he allowed three touchdowns with five picks in his coverage, giving up a passer rating of just 67.5.
Round 3 (81): Jared Wilson, C, Georgia
Josh Myers has made a solid start to the season but faces an uncertain future. Myers is a free agent in the spring, and the Packers may decide to search for an upgrade at the center position.
The Packers love drafting Georgia Bulldogs, and they also love versatility. Jared Wilson has played at center and both guard spots, providing the flexibility the team looks for. Per PFF, Wilson has only allowed one sack, two hurries, and three pressures since the start of 2021. He is an outstanding pass protector and is a name to watch on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
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