ESPN 2025 mock draft suggests telling option for the Packers

There is still a long way to go until next year's draft , which will be held in Green Bay . But it's already an interesting topic of discussion, and it's fun to get some perspectives from people who live the draft cycle the entire calendar year.

Matt Miller, an ESPN draft analyst , released a way-too-early 2025 mock draft this week, and he had the Packers making a telling decision in the first round.

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With the 24th overall pick, the Packers would take Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams .

^{"Green Bay has a solid group of outside pass-rushers, but the interior could be up for a reset with Kenny Clark potentially hitting free agency next spring. Second-year player Devonte Wyatt showed promise last season, but there's room for Williams here beside him if Clark leaves. Williams' burst off the snap pops at 6-2 and 290 pounds. He had just three sacks last season but has flashed impressive pass-rush moves and Round 1 upside throughout his career."}

Reasoning

The big question behind that decision, and if it can realistically come to fruition, is what the Packers will do with Kenny Clark . At this moment, as Miller mentioned, Clark is slated to hit free agency .

This offseason, general manager Brian Gutekunst and cap chief Russ Ball decided not to touch Clark's deal, so he's counting $27.49 million against the cap. That happens because of previous restructures, as he truly makes "only" $17 million. Green Bay will still have a $13.747 million dead money hit in 2025 if a new deal doesn't get done.

Gutekunst mentioned his desire to keep Clark around. Even though it's unusual for the Packer to give players a third contract, the defensive tackle entered the league so young in 2016 that he brings a unique situation to the table. Next offseason, he will be 29.

The decision to bring another defensive tackle also has to do with former first-round pick Devonte Wyatt . The Packers spent high draft capital on him two years ago, but Wyatt hasn't lived up to expectations so far. He's been an intriguing interior pass rusher, but his inability in the run game makes it harder for the Packers to count on him as a three-down player. The expectation is that Wyatt can play better under Jeff Hafley, but the 2024 season will be telling in that regard.

Tyleik Williams, who had three sacks in 2023, is the 26th overall prospect on the consensus big board , the fifth interior defensive linemen.

There are obviously so many variables for an exercise like this. Draft position, contract negotiations, player development or decline, and a full season is too much time to be accurate. At the same time, the way-too-early mock is a good exercise to see where teams can go to, and defensive tackle is certainly a realistic possibility for the Packers — especially considering how important generating pressure is for Jeff Hafley's defensive structure.

Related: What the Packers can realistically expect from Devonte Wyatt in year 3