Five Big Questions for Packers Before 2025 NFL Season

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst made two bold moves this offseason. The first was finally using a first-round pick on a receiver.

The Packers haven’t received a lot of instant impact from their first-round picks over the years. Of Gutekunst’s previous eight first-round picks, four started double-digits games as a rookie and the other four started zero or one.

Matthew Golden, however, looks like he could be a stud from Day 1.

“He’s done a great job,” offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said on Thursday. “He’s got great speed, great hands. Everything about him, he’s just been a true professional as soon as he’s walked in the door.

“So, I’m excited where he’s at and, as the season progresses, to see how it unfolds and how we can use him. But it’s just one of those things that you don’t really know until you get out there in the game and watch him play just because of his limited reps in actual live football for us. So, yeah, it’s going to be fun and I’m excited because what he’s put on film in practice has been excellent.”

The 4.29 speed in the 40 is just part of the package. If the Golden who showed his skill throughout training camp and showed savvy on his deep catch in the preseason against Seattle is the real deal, an offense that finished eighth in scoring last season could shoot well into the top five, which will play directly into the hands of No. 3 on this list.

3. Micah Parsons to the Rescue?

The second bold move made by general manager Brian Gutekunst was last week’s blockbuster trade for Micah Parsons.

Parsons is a total-package pass rusher and a game-changing weapon. Coaches love to talk about complementary football. If Jordan Love and the offense can get rolling, the Parsons-led pass rush can step on the gas. A one-touchdown lead can turn into two touchdowns. A two-touchdown lead can turn into a blowout.