Green Bay Packers Receive Abysmal Ranking For 2025 Rookie Class
The Green Bay Packers have built a reputation for drafting and developing young talent, but their 2025 rookie class has failed to make a significant immediate impact, according to a new analysis from ESPN. In a comprehensive ranking of all 32 NFL rookie classes based on their 2025 season production, ESPN placed the Packers a disappointing 29th, highlighting a lack of standout performances and limited contributions from their newest players.
Green Bay Packers Rookies Fail To Make A Huge Impact
The rankings, compiled by ESPN’s Aaron Schatz, utilize Sports Info Solutions’ “total points” metric to evaluate the value each rookie brought to their team. For Green Bay, the low ranking reflects a draft class that struggled to see the field or produce at a high level when given opportunities.
Lack of Rookie Production
A primary reason for the low ranking was the underwhelming output from the team’s top draft pick, first-round wide receiver Matthew Golden. Despite entering the league with high expectations, Golden had a quiet rookie season, catching only 29 passes for 361 yards and a single touchdown. Schatz noted that the Packers have a history of slowly integrating rookie receivers into their offense, suggesting Golden could see a much larger role in future seasons.
The Packers’ other offensive rookies also provided minimal impact. Third-round pick Savion Williams, described as a “gadget receiver,” was used sparingly, recording just 11 carries and 10 catches. The most significant playing time for a rookie came from second-round offensive lineman Anthony Belton, who started seven games but did not grade out as a high-level contributor.
Defensive Contributions
On the defensive side of the ball, the contributions were similarly modest. The Packers received some production from undrafted defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse and fellow lineman Warren Brinson, who combined for 25 total tackles. However, neither player established himself as a consistent, game-changing force in their first year.
The overall lack of production from the 2025 draft class is a departure from the team’s recent successes with young players. In previous seasons, the Packers have leaned heavily on their rookies to fill key roles, a trend that did not continue this past year.
Looking Ahead
While the 29th-place ranking is a concerning reflection of the 2025 season, it is not a final verdict on the talent of the players. The analysis explicitly measures immediate production, not long-term potential. Players like Matthew Golden and Anthony Belton will have every opportunity to develop and become core pieces of the Packers’ future.
Still, the lack of immediate impact from this class is a key factor in the team’s current state. As the Packers head into a critical offseason, the pressure will be on for this group of second-year players to make a significant leap forward and prove their draft value. The team’s ability to bounce back in 2026 may depend heavily on their development.
