🏈 *Topic: Free Agency Recap & 2025 NFL Draft Preview (Rounds 1-3)*
🎧 **Part 1: Welcome Back, Packer Nation!**
- John and Andy return after a 2-month hiatus—Andy blames Iron Maiden karaoke for the delay.
- Andy compares *Packers Blitz* to *Stella Artois*—“excellent, refined, and distinctive.”
- Tonight's focus: Packers free agency moves and possible draft selections in the first 3 rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.
💸 **Part 2: Packers Free Agency Recap🔒 Big-Time Signings:
1. **👷♂️ Aaron Banks (LG)** – 4 yrs/$77M
- Former 49er, now 3rd highest paid LG in the league.
- Will likely slot in at LG, moving Elgton Jenkins to C.
- Some analysts question whether he can elevate the line.
- Packers appear to be shifting toward a beefier, run-first O-line.
2. **🛡️ Nate Hobbs (CB)** – 4 yrs/$48M
- Former Raider, physical and elite against the run.
- Slated to play outside or in the slot.
- Embraced the Green Bay vibe: “It reminded me of a college-y town.”
✅ Sneaky-Good Signing:
- **Brandon McManus (K)** – Kicking accuracy that brings back memories of Jan Stenerud.
🎙️ John’s Input:** Other notable signings? Any NFC North moves that stood out?
📋 **Part 3: Packers 2025 NFL Draft Preview**
🟢 **Round 1 – Pick #23**
- **WR Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State)** – Crisp route runner, potential instant impact.
- **EDGE Mykel Williams (Georgia)** – Versatile edge talent, but a boom-or-bust risk.
- **EDGE Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M)** – Athletic but raw; classic Packers upside pick.
- **WR Matthew Golden (Texas)** – Speedster with 4.29 40 time.
- **EDGE James Pierce Jr. (Tennessee)** – 19.5 career sacks, explosive edge rusher.
- **CB Jahdae Barron (Texas)** – Physical and polished, high-end DB potential.
- **DT Derrick Harmon (Oregon)** – Disruptive interior force; 5 sacks, 11 TFL in 2024.
- **DT Walter Nolen (Ole Miss)** – Massive talent, but loyalty/consistency are question marks.
**ANDY’S PICKS**:
- *“If I were Guty”* — **DT Derrick Harmon**
- *“Most Likely”* — **CB Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky)** – 4.28 speed, Jaire-like skills.
**JOHN’S PICK**:
- *Trade up to #19 (TB)* to draft **CB Will Johnson (Michigan)** or
- Trade down with **Philly at #32** for flexibility.
🟢 **Round 2 – Pick #54**
- **WR Tre Harris (Ole Miss)** – Great production, but some ball security concerns.
- **WR Jayden Higgins (Iowa State)** – Big body, field-stretcher. LaFleur prototype.
- **WR Jack Bech (TCU)** – Strong Senior Bowl, 9.26 RAS score.
- **CB Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame)** – Smart, productive, but missed time in 2024.
**ANDY’S PICKS**:
- *“If I were GM”* — **WR Jayden Higgins**
- *“Most Likely”* — **Jayden Higgins again** (it’s a clean sweep).
**JOHN’S PICK**:
- *“Higgy Baby”* — Jayden Higgins gets John’s stamp too.
**Round 3 – Pick #87**
- **WR Savion Williams (TCU)** – 6’5”, triple-threat: receiving, running, passing!
- **WR Jalen Royals (Utah)** – 15 TDs in 2023, strong production, solid speed.
- **OL Charles Grant (William & Mary)** – Great pass-blocker but may be too small for GB’s current O-line direction.
- **OT Anthony Belton (NC State)** – Massive tackle, potential anchor, but heavy.
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🧀 **Final Takeaways**
- Packers seem to be transitioning to a heavier, more physical identity on offense.
- Defense remains a focus, especially in the trenches and the secondary.
- DT and WR are clear needs heading into the draft.
- John and Andy are dialed in—and united on “Higgy Baby.”
- The draft is less than 2 weeks away — buckle up, Packer Nation!
*Thanks for listening to Episode #98 of Packers Blitz. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the pod with your fellow Cheeseheads! GO PACK GO!* 🧀💚
