On Thursday, an estimated 205,000 fans descended upon Green Bay, eager to see who their team would choose in the first round. The enthusiasm reached a fever pitch when team president Mark Murphy announced the Packers had selected wide receiver Matthew Golden, marking the first time the franchise has drafted a receiver in the first round since 2002.
With receiver identified as a critical need, the addition of Golden opens up possibilities for the Packers to address other positions in the later rounds, including defensive line, pass rusher, cornerback, and offensive line as they move into Friday’s picks.
Let’s take a closer look at what could unfold on Day 2 of the draft, using Pro Football Network’s simulator for our predictions.
Round 2, Pick 54: JT Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State
Had the Packers not filled their receiver void in the first round, defensive end would have been a prime target. With names like Mykel Williams from Georgia and Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M off the board, the focus shifts to Tuimoloau.
Choosing Tuimoloau makes a lot of sense. The Ohio State standout opted to return for his senior season to pursue a national championship, and his efforts paid off. He finished the season with an impressive 12.5 sacks, showcasing his ability to impact games on the biggest stages.
While Tuimoloau might not have the same accolades as some Buckeyes pass-rushing legends, he’s still an effective player in his own right. The selection of Tuimoloau would echo a theme we’ve seen: players who elevate their game when it matters most. Just like Golden, who shone in critical games towards the end of the season, Tuimoloau made his mark during Ohio State’s championship run, racking up 6.5 sacks, 10 tackles for losses, and a forced fumble in the playoffs alone. That sack total alone would have placed him second on the Packers’ roster in 2022, just behind Rashan Gary.
Tuimoloau’s versatility is another plus. He can make an impact at the line of scrimmage, boasting 12 batted passes throughout his college career and a knack for interceptions, including a pick-six against Penn State in 2022. As the Packers look to revamp their pass rush—especially with the forthcoming contract decisions for Gary and others—Tuimoloau could be the fresh talent they need.
Round 3, Pick 87: Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State
Tony Horton is a name you’ll want to remember as we dive into this next potential pick. Despite the skepticism that might arise from taking two receivers in the top 100, the Packers face a pressing need to replenish their wide receiver corps. With all of their top four receivers slated to become free agents by the end of 2026, it’s essential to bring in fresh talent.
Standing at 6-foot-2 1/2, Horton provides the size and speed that Green Bay has valued on the outside—serving as another downfield threat alongside Golden. His speed is remarkable, running a 4.41-second 40-yard dash shortly after recovering from knee surgery, and clocking in at 22.5 mph during games.
Horton is far from a one-dimensional player; he has proven capable of not only running routes effectively but also commanding a significant portion of the target share. During his time at Colorado State, he set a single-game record for receptions and ranked among the top in the Mountain West Conference for both receptions and receiving yards.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst spoke highly of Golden and his character, and the same can be said for Horton. Echoing similar sentiments, his head coach, Jay Norvell, praised Horton for having “the right stuff,” reinforcing his value off the field in addition to his on-field abilities.
Moreover, Horton can contribute in the return game—a notable asset, as he scored three touchdowns on punt returns during his college career, all exceeding 70 yards. While ideally, the Packers might prefer to target a cornerback at this juncture, the available options have dimmed considerably, suggesting that defensive back will be a primary focus as the draft progresses into its later rounds.
Also Considered: OT Anthony Belton, CB Zy Alexander, DT Omarr Norman-Lott.
The Packers are making bold moves, and as we look ahead, their strategy is becoming clearer. With the right pieces drafted, they may just be setting themselves up for a promising season.
