2025 Draft

July 12, 2024

By Andrew Amouzou, nbc26.com

GREEN BAY (NBC26) — Downtown organizations and the city are working to bring more people downtown for the 2025 NFL Draft. This week they announced the first of many events to be held during draft week.

• Booyah Battle scheduled for April 25 on Washington St.
• Non-profits pair with a local chefs for friendly competition.
• Attendees will be able to try booyah samples, beer options
• More downtown events to be announced soon

(The following is a transcription of the full broadcast story)

It's called the Booyah Battle and it will take place on Washington St. on April 25.

Organizers say the event will pair non-profit organizations with a booyah chef in friendly competition.

Those in attendance can try multiple booyah samples and a variety of beer options.

I spoke with Mary Rhode, OnBroadway, Inc. vice president of marketing & communications, and Jeff Mirkes, Downtown Green Bay, Inc. and Olde Main St., Inc. executive director.

They say the city is also in on planning downtown activities for the 2025 NFL Draft.

"Booyah was one of the things that came out of one of our group members and it was something that, especially with the time of year and the unpredictability of the weather, it was something that we know brings people together," Rhode said.

"If you really want to get the true character and charm of a community, you go to the downtown area and we're very proud about how downtown is evolving and how we're going to do our part to make this such a memorable and exciting time when thousands come to Green Bay," Mirkes said.

Organizers said that there will be a fireworks show and other large events happening in downtown that week. They say more details on that will be announced soon.

Detroit reported $213 million in economic impact, record attendance and no arrests for 2024 NFL Draft.

July 12, 2024

By Richard Ryman, Green Bay Press-Gazette

The 2024 NFL Draft was worth $213.6 million to Detroit, although the benefits of hosting one of the league's premier events continue.

"My dreams were exceeded by our reality," said Claude Molinari, CEO of Visit Detroit, even before the final report on the Detroit draft's economic impact was released Thursday. "This event paid for itself 10-fold in so many ways. A friend said, 'You guys just got a three-day lovefest for Detroit on national TV. In a million years you could not buy that type of advertising for your destination.'"

Green Bay will host the 2025 NFL draft from April 24 to 26. Organizers expect a $94 million economic impact statewide and $20 million locally. They anticipate attendance of 240,000, which would be less than Detroit's opening day, reflecting the difference in market sizes, but three times the turnout for a typical Packers game. For the three days of the event in 2024, Detroit had attendance of 775,000.

(A note on how attendance is counted: Every time an individual enters the official NFL draft grounds, they are counted. One person could be counted several times during a day, or over the three days).

The 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City, which had attendance of 312,000, reported $164 million in total economic impact.

A significant amount of attendance at the draft was generated by Detroit's metro population of 4.4 million. The report determined that 30.2% of attendees traveled more than 100 miles. The Detroit draft drew from 50 states and more than 20 countries, according to the report.

The Green Bay metro area has a population of 320,000. Sites 100 miles from Green Bay include Port Washington, Beaver Dam, Wautoma, Wisconsin Rapids, Wausau, Crandon and Ellison Bay. It is likely a higher percentage of 2025 attendees will come from 100 miles or more.

Highlights from the report include:

• $161.3 million of the $213.6 million overall amount in gross economic impact represents new spending within the Detroit region created by the presence of the 2024 NFL Draft.
• $106.4 million of the $161.3 million in gross economic impact is retained long-term within the Detroit region as new income for households, business proprietors, and tax revenues.
• The $106.4 million represents gross impact on local income, accounting for any money leakages shortly after new money enters the local economy. The overall fiscal/tax impact stemming from visitor spending is $12.3 million.
• The NFL’s total spending on local minority-owned businesses was $12.1 million. The Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA), Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), Visit Detroit and the Detroit Sports Commission helped Black-owned businesses secure 34 contracts to work directly with the NFL, totaling nearly 40% of local contracts. "The NFL was extremely positive and deliberate with us in identifying minority businesses," Molinari said.
• MBBA members hired more than 500 staff members to meet work demand, resulting in approximately $1.2 million in staff income during draft week.
• The Detroit Sports Commission’s Living Legacy Initiative helped distribute $1.5 million in grants to local nonprofit organizations.
• Hotel occupancy in the city of Detroit during the draft: Wednesday, April 24, was 84%; Thursday, April 25, was 92%; Friday, April 26, was 85%; and Saturday, April 27, was 74%.

Hotel occupancy in Brown County will be closer to 100% because the NFL already has claimed most of the 4,800 available hotel rooms for its use. As was the case with the Ryder Cup, and with the EAA AirVenture fly-in, attendees are expected to stay in hotels, short-term rentals and campsites from Door County to Milwaukee and Madison.

The draft is a family-friendly event. Draft observers from Green Bay have commented on how surprised they were with how many children were in attendance at drafts in Cleveland, Kansas City and Detroit. Molinari said Kansas City had one draft-related arrest and Detroit had none.

"There were no issues, no safety concerns. Both locals and out-of-towners were super well-behaved," he said. "There are fans, this is like a pilgrimage to them. I've been to every draft since Cleveland (2021). There are people that I recognized (at Detroit's draft)."

July 1, 2024

By Josh Cavender & Mallory Allen, Fox 11 News

GREEN BAY (WLUK) -- With the NFL Draft coming to Green Bay next year, the Packers Hall of Fame is offering a new exhibit for visitors to learn more about the event's history.

The exhibit begins with a look back, showing a timeline of the NFL Draft since its inception in 1936.

“This is the second time Wisconsin has actually hosted the NFL Draft," said Brent Hensel, curator for the Green Bay Packers.

He told us that the city to host the Championship game also hosted the NFL Draft back in the 1930s.

“The Packers hosted the Championship game down in Milwaukee, so the draft was the day before back in December of 1939," Hensel said.

June 20, 2024

By Emily Beier and Emily Reilly, WBAY.com

LAMBEAU FIELD, Wis. (WBAY) - The countdown to the 2025 NFL draft continues, and officials are sharing possible plans for the draft stage.

If those tentative plans hold, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will be looking out at beautiful Lambeau Field from Oneida Street. However, a lot of big decisions, namely by the NFL itself, still have to be made as Green Bay gears up to host its biggest event ever.

“I know that’s a big decision, among all the decisions that are being made by the NFL,” said Packers director of public affairs Aaron Popkey.

Big plans are still very much in the works, but as we move closer to the draft, some details are coming into focus.

“So for Green Bay, what the NFL envisions right now is having the draft theater outside the stadium, most likely along or on Oneida Street on the east side, and again this could all change, but we’re anticipating the stage will be there playing to the largest section of the parking lot, which is that northeast corner,“ said Popkey.

Many decisions are still being made and officials say they could always change.

“We’ll have 250,000 people wondering around this area so it will be kind of exciting,” said Paul Herwaldt, the owner of Shoe Repair Plus.

Shoe Repair Plus sits right on the corner of Oneida Street and Morris Avenue. Herwaldt says he understands having to make some adjustments.

“I’ll have to close my business for Thursday,” said Herwaldt. “I’m already semi-retired, I’m down to 40 hours a week working Monday through Thursday, so I’m off Friday, Saturday, Sunday anyway, but I also have a home on the same street as our business is so I have to see if we can park cars there and make up for not being up that Thursday. It should be kind of fun and there will be a lot of people around here.”

As the countdown clock ticks, Herwaldt says one of his concerns is what roads will be closed.

”It’s going to be kind of hard because people live on this street also, besides all the business that are up and down here, hotels, I mean how are people going to get out of their driveways if they close it off,” said Herwaldt.

Many of those road closures could be unknown for a while and they could change.

Aaron Popkey tells us a very helpful tool as we get closer to the draft will be the “One Pass” app. Right now the settings are still for Detroit, but eventually, that app will have everything from parking to shuttles to getting to the hot spots for the 2025 NFL Draft.

May 9, 2024

By Chris Trapasso, cbssports.com

Which clubs will be looking for a quarterback in the 2025 draft?

Six quarterbacks were selected with the first 12 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, but not all teams with a quarterback need were able to select one. 

And while right now the 2025 draft class of quarterbacks doesn't appear to be as loaded as this year's group, you can bet there will be many franchises that will look to address the most vital position on the field via the draft. Happens every year. 

Let's pinpoint those teams now. 

Honorable mention: Pittsburgh Steelers

I have no idea what's going to happen with the Steelers at quarterback, and what this perpetually stable franchise plans to do at the position long term. Russell Wilson's elementary stats weren't brutal in 2023 -- 26 touchdowns to just eight interceptions -- but his 6.9 yards-per-attempt average was clearly the lowest in his career as was his average depth of target of 7.8 yards. The conversative Wilson simply didn't work in Denver with Sean Payton last season. 

Then there's a very similar style and backstory -- at least from the last few seasons -- with Justin Fields on Pittsburgh's roster. 

Given the sturdiness of the Steelers defense, there's absolutely a world in which Wilson's more free-wheeling style can be accentuated -- especially thanks to spiderman George Pickens -- and Pittsburgh wins more football games than it loses and makes the playoffs. 

But it doesn't feel likely Wilson will play effectively enough to earn a multiyear extension at 36 years old. Is it completely out of the question? No. Which is why the Steelers are only at honorable mention on this list. And heck, if Wilson struggles, Fields would assume the starting gig, and it's not unreasonable to envision him playing a dual-threat game-manager role that he can parlay into more job security in 2025 and beyond. 

Wilson and/or Fields emerging as the steady force that propels the Steelers back to legitimate AFC contention feels unlikely though, and they're both residing in Pittsburgh now on one-year deals, which is why I felt compelled to include them here. 

5. Dallas Cowboys 

Are the Cowboys really going to let Dak Prescott's contract expire, and let him walk? I can't believe that's a strategy this front office would deploy. 

While I don't ever believe Prescott has been cemented as an elite quarterback, he led the NFL with 410 completions at a career-high 69.5% completion rate with a league-high 36 touchdowns in 2023. 

And he's not old! He's entering his age-31 season. Derek Carr is 33. Geno Smith turns 34 in October. Matthew Stafford is 36. Kirk Cousins will be 36 in August. Wilson will be 36 in November. Aaron Rodgers turns 41 in December. 

April 29, 2024

By Jenna Wells, CBS 58

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit shattered attendance records which could bode well for Green Bay next year. The draft could impact the entire state, including Milwaukee. 

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer says the 2024 Draft brought in more than 700,000 fans, and VISIT Milwaukee's sports division expects Wisconsin will see similar numbers next year when Green Bay hosts the draft April 24-26, 2025. 

VISIT Milwaukee has been working alongside Discover Green Bay, Travel Wisconsin, and the Green Bay Packers to prepare for next year's draft. 

Marissa Werner, the director of Sports Milwaukee, says Milwaukee will likely help out with food and beverage vendors and transportation. 

She expects a lot of fans to use Milwaukee's airport or drive in from Chicago. 

As the largest city near Green Bay, fans are likely to stay in Milwaukee hotels and VISIT Milwaukee is preparing for that. 

"Being that most of the hotels are already spoken for in regards to the NFL and corporate partners throughout the Appleton, Fox City and Green Bay areas, we really are more focused and believe it will be more of that fan base that is going to be utilizing our hotels and our accommodations," said Werner. 

Werner had a chance to go to the draft in Detroit, she said it almost feels like a festival and she expects Packers fans to really show in Titletown next year. 

April 30, 2024

By Rob Rang, NFL Draft Analyst, Fox Sports

The ink is barely dry on the 2024 NFL draft, but we are already looking ahead to next year – and so are the defenders.

After an unprecedented 14 consecutive picks spent on offensive players kicked things off in Thursday's first round, next year's class appears much more even, with a quality crop of cornerbacks and edge rushers ranking among the most intriguing position groups, with a handful of Ohio State Buckeyes among the headliners.

But don't worry, there will be plenty of playmakers available to teams with a premium pick next year — including a trio of quarterbacks and running backs.

No one knows how the 2024 NFL season will play out, so for this mock draft, we simply used the inverse order of the current Super Bowl odds (via FanDuel) to create the selection order.

1. Carolina Panthers – JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State

With "just" 12 sacks over his first three years at the college level, Tuimoloau has not produced the eye-popping production some expected after he signed with Ohio State as a celebrated prep, but don't let the stats fool you. The power-packed 6-foot-5, 279-pounder turned down a chance at a first-round selection this year to return to Ohio State. I anticipate will play his way into a top 10 selection cinch next fall.

2. New England Patriots – Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

A flashy dual-threat athlete whose playmaking ability is reminiscent of his Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, Hunter has the pure cover skills and soft hands to star wherever his future NFL teams most needs help.

3. Denver Broncos – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

With all due respect to Cincinnati Bengals second-round selection Kris Jenkins, Jr. the best interior defensive lineman for Michigan during last year's title run was the ultra-powerful 6-foot-3, 318-pound Graham. A rare true freshman starter at Michigan, Graham bulldozed his way into First Team All-Big Ten honors a year ago with 36 tackles, including 7.5 for loss and three sacks.

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4. Washington Commanders – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

A blue-chip prospect who would have been the first cornerback selected in this year's draft had he been eligible, Johnson offers a tantalizing combination of size, speed, physicality and ball skills. The 6-foot-2, 202-pounder projects as an immediate difference-maker similar to the Broncos' Patrick Surtain Jr., registering seven interceptions over his first two seasons at the college level.

5. Tennessee Titans – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Year in and year out, the Buckeyes churn out first-round-caliber wide receivers and the pipeline will continue in 2025 with the powerful 6-foot-1, 205-pound Egbuka, who caught 10 touchdowns and registered 1,051 yards while serving as the second option behind Marvin Harrison, Jr. Already productive, Egbuka's numbers could explode in 2024.

6. New York Giants – Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

Projected by many to be replaced by celebrated signee Arch Manning, Ewers instead showed off the accuracy and grit scouts expect of a future NFL starter, improving from a 58.1% completion rate to 69% with an impressive 37-12 touchdown-to-interception ratio over his two seasons in Austin.

7. Arizona Cardinals – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Banks has been money at left tackle for the Longhorns the past two seasons, earning all-conference accolades both years, including first-team honors in 2023. Similar in some ways to this year's No. 20 overall selection Troy Fautanu, Banks' lack of ideal height — Texas lists him at 6-foot-4 and 324 pounds) — may push him inside to guard in the NFL. Regardless, he's great lineman.

8. Minnesota Vikings – Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M

One of the most celebrated transfers of the offseason, Scourton returned to his home state of Texas after leading the Big Ten with 10 sacks a year ago at Purdue (among his 50 overall stops, including 15 tackles for loss). At 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, Scourton combines prototypical size with good snap anticipation and power.

9. Las Vegas Raiders – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Despite what his gaudy statistics suggest (27 touchdown passes compared to just three interceptions in 2023), Sanders won't be a fit for every team. But his awareness, accuracy, touch and mobility makes him one of the more intriguing dual-threat quarterbacks in college football, projecting similarly as former PAC-12 foe Bo Nix.

10. New Orleans Saints – Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State

Only one running back was selected in the first two rounds of the 2024 NFL draft (Carolina took Texas' Jonathon Brooks at No. 46 overall) and that vacuum could be filled next spring with several quality options. Gordon was the Big 12's Offensive Player of the Year and the Doak Walker Award winner as the nation's top back, leading the country with 1,732 rushing yards and finishing second with 21 rushing touchdowns.

11. Seattle Seahawks – Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky

Football is a big man's game and they don't come much bigger than the 6-foot-6, 346-pound Walker, who earned Second Team All-SEC honors from league coaches a year ago after leading the Wildcats in tackles for loss (12.5) and sacks (7.5) despite fighting near-constant double-teams.

12. Indianapolis Colts – Will Campbell, OT, LSU

The 6-foot-6, 320-pound Campbell (along with right tackle Emery Jones) played a critical but underrated role in Jayden Daniels' run to the Heisman Trophy. An immediate standout who earned second-team All-SEC honors from league coaches as a true freshman, Campbell ascended to first-team honors in 2023, showing off the size, agility and strength to warrant an early first-round pick.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State

A powerfully built 6-foot-4, 320-pounder, Jackson is the latest in the long line of former five-star recruits polishing their game at Ohio State before earning a high selection in the NFL. He generated all-conference honors at left guard following each of the past two seasons, including first-team accolades by both the media and league coaches in 2023, but nevertheless returned for a chance at a national championship.

14. Pittsburgh Steelers – Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

A natural playmaker as both a receiver and returner, Burden has lived up to his prep hype as a five-star recruit, finishing second in the SEC in 2023 with 1,212 receiving yards and nine touchdown receptions. Powerfully built at 5-foot-11 and 208 pounds, Burden is appropriately named as he is a real problem for defensive backs.

15. Los Angeles Chargers – James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee

Pearce led the SEC with 10 sacks in 2023 and finished second in the conference with 15 tackles for loss. Listed by the Vols at 6-foot-5 and 242 pounds, Pearce has a lean, lanky frame that can handle another 10-15 pounds without sacrificing his trademark burst and bend off the edge.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars – Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Mississippi

A four-year producer at Florida with 24.5 tackles for loss (including 14.5 sacks), Umanmielen transferred to Ole Miss in the offseason in hopes that a change of scenery could result in a breakout campaign. Umanmielen (6-foot-5, 255 pounds) has the size and explosiveness scouts want to develop, but he needs to show greater consistency.

17. Chicago Bears – Ajani Cornelius, OT, Oregon

As opposed to most Ducks flying south for the winter, this one flew west from the Bronx (by way of the University of Rhode Island), joining Oregon in 2023 as one of the more celebrated blockers in the transfer portal. The 6-foot-5, 310-pounder had no trouble with the jump in competition, earning Honorable Mention All-PAC-12 honors last year, allowing just a single sack and providing plenty of punch in the running game.

18. Cleveland Browns – Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

To earn a first-round NFL draft selection, Milroe will have to show significant improvement as a pocket passer, but he has a head coach in Kalen DeBoer who can develop his accuracy and anticipation and, of course, already boasts elite size and athleticism. Milroe will be one of the most fascinating and closely scrutinized prospects in the country next season.

19. Los Angeles Rams – Smael Mondon Jr., ILB, Georgia

As the NFL increasingly spreads horizontally, as well as vertically, linebackers with true sideline-to-sideline speed are jumping in value. Mondon is a 6-foot-2, 230-pound heat-seeking missile who could be on the verge of a Butkus Award season.

20. New York Jets – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

With just six touchdown receptions to his credit, Loveland likely won't generate first-round buzz from those scouting stat sheets, but the 6-foot-5, 245-pounder possesses the soft hands and balance through contact to be a monster in the middle in the NFL.

21. Atlanta Falcons – Mykel Williams, DL, Georgia

There wasn't a member of the Georgia defense drafted in the first round this year but don't expect that to be a trend. The twitchy 6-foot-5, 265-pound Williams is still growing into his body, but scouts are excited about his upside — and that is after he led the Bulldogs with 4.5 sacks a year ago.

22. Miami Dolphins – Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

A true ballhawk with nine interceptions recorded over his first two seasons, the six-foot, 186-pound Morrison is well known for his soft hands and instincts in coverage, but scouts also like his reliability as an open-field tackler.

23. Green Bay Packers – Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

It isn't often that true freshmen start at blue-blood programs like Clemson, but that is the road Miller has traveled on his way to the NFL, earning the nod at right tackle in all 27 games of his college career. Balanced and powerful at 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, Miller could be Clemson's highest-drafted blocker of the Dabo Swinney era.

24. Philadelphia Eagles – Collin Oliver, LB, Oklahoma State

Whether off the edge or in more of a traditional linebacker role, Oliver is a proven playmaker, registering an eye-popping 38.5 tackles for loss and 21.5 sacks among his 130 career tackles. At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Oliver won't be a fit for everyone — just those willing to prioritize big plays over prototypical size.

25. Houston Texans – Harold Perkins, Edge, LSU

At 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, Perkins lacks the bulk the NFL prefers off the edge, but his explosive burst and closing speed are undeniable. He enters his junior campaign having already recorded 27 tackles for loss and 13 sacks, along with seven forced fumbles.

26. Dallas Cowboys – Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma

After leading the Big 12 in tackles in 2022 and earning All-American accolades (despite battling injury) a year ago, Stutsman was thought to be a shoo-in to join the 2024 NFL draft. Instead, by returning, the rangy 6-foot-4, 241 has a chance at being the first off-ball linebacker selected next spring. He certainly checks boxes for his playmaking ability, recording 267 tackles, including 28 tackles for loss already.

27. Buffalo Bills – Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State

The first cornerback didn't come off the board until No. 22 overall this year, but Burke is part of a very intriguing class that looks like one of 2025's strongest groups. Silky smooth in coverage, Burke just needs to show more ball-hawking skills, turning just two of his 26 career pass breakups into interceptions.

28. Detroit Lions – Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

Ever since James Franklin took over at Penn State, the Nittany Lions have churned out edge rushers and all indications are that Carter is next. Even while splitting duties with 2023 top-100 draft picks Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound Carter earned first-team All-Big Ten honors with 5.5 tackles for loss, including 4.5 sacks.

29. Cincinnati Bengals – Jonah Monheim, OL, USC

A four-year starter with experience at both tackle spots as well as right guard, Monheim is expected to slide inside to center in 2024, showing off a combination of size, agility and versatility that helped earn former Duke blocker Graham Barton Tampa Bay's top pick, No. 26 overall.

30. Baltimore Ravens – Ashton Gillotte, Edge, Louisville

A surprise returnee after earning first-team All-ACC honors with 45 tackles, including 14.5 for loss and 11 sacks, Gillotte is a slippery — if unconventionally built (6-foot-3, 275 pounds) — edge rusher with the burst and bend that translates well to the next level.

31. Kansas City Chiefs – Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

A transfer from Ole Miss, where Judkins was the first running back from the SEC to score 15+ touchdowns in each of his first two seasons since the legendary Herschel Walker (Georgia), the six-foot, 219-pound Judkins is a greasy runner who accelerates smoothly and slithers his way through arm tackles.

32. San Francisco 49ers – Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama

A physical mauler similar in many ways to his former Alabama teammate, JC Latham (now a member of the Tennessee Titans), the 6-foot-5, 352-pound Booker cracked the starting lineup in 2023 and immediately earned All-SEC honors. Scouts will love the fact that he enjoyed his strongest performance of the year last season in the SEC Championship victory over Georgia.

Rob Rang is an NFL Draft analyst for FOX Sports. He has been covering the NFL Draft for more than 20 years, with work at FOX, Sports Illustrated, CBSSports.com, USA Today, Yahoo, NFL.com and NFLDraftScout.com, among others. He also works as a scout with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. Follow him on Twitter @RobRang.

April 28, 2024

By foxsports.com

Coach Prime might not need to direct his son to a specific NFL location, because it appears he won't be on the board for long. 

Now that the 2024 NFL Draft is over and done with, odds for who will go at the top of next year's draft have been released. 

And at DraftKings Sportsbook, Colorado star quarterback Shedeur Sanders is favored to go No. 1. 

Sanders — the son of Colorado head coach and NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders — had a stellar individual year in 2023, his first under center for the Buffaloes. He threw for 3,230 yards and completed 69.3% of his passes. 

He added in 27 touchdown passes and tossed just three interceptions. 

Let's take a look at the odds for next year's No. 1 pick at DraftKings Sportsbook.

2025 NFL DRAFT NO. 1 PICK ODDS: *

• Shedeur Sanders, Colorado: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)
• Carson Beck, Georgia: +300 (bet $10 to win $40 total)
• Quinn Ewers, Texas: +300 (bet $10 to win $40 total)
• Drew Allar, Penn State: +850 (bet $10 to win $95 total)
• Jalen Milroe, Alabama: +950 (bet $10 to win $105 total)
• Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)
• Cameron Ward, Miami: +1500 (bet $10 to win $160 total)
• Mykel Williams, Georgia: +1500 (bet $10 to win $160 total)

* odds as of 4/28/24

Not surprisingly, the first seven names on the oddsboard are quarterbacks, coming off of a draft in which six QBs went in the first 12 picks, including picks No. 1, 2 and 3.

Just behind Sanders are Georgia's Beck and Texas' Ewers. 

Beck completed 72.4% of his passes last season en route to throwing for 3,941 yards, 24 TDs and just six INTs. 

Ewers completed 69% of his passes for 3,479 yards, 22 touchdowns and six picks. 

Deion made waves regarding next year's NFL Draft when, in late March, Sanders appeared on the "Million Dollaz Worth of Game" podcast and had this to say about the professional landing spots for Shedeur, Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter, and his other son Shilo, who plays in the Colorado secondary: 

"All of this is subjective because I know where I kinda want them to go. And let’s not forget Shilo. But I know where I want them to go. So, there are certain cities that ain’t gonna happen. … It’s going to be an Eli. We ain’t doing it."  

Deion was referring to the Eli Manning draft saga, in which Manning refused to play for the then-San Diego Chargers, who had the No. 1 pick in the 2004 NFL Draft.

Rumor then spread that Deion preferred Shedeur and Hunter to play for one of six NFL teams. 

Deion addressed those rumors in mid-April. 

"One thing about a lie — a lie is so fast it can outrun the truth any day. That's a bald-faced lie. That's a stupid lie. I have more than six owners that are friends. I have more than six GMs that are friends."

April 28, 2024

By Blake Brockermeyer, cbssports.com

The run on QBs in 2024 suggests teams know the 2025 class isn't as good

The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books. In many ways it was historic, with six quarterbacks going off the board in the first 12 picks -- the fastest we've ever seen. 

Watching the run on quarterbacks made me think NFL teams had already done their due diligence on the 2025 class of draft-eligible quarterbacks, which is not as good. And that gave me the idea to project way-too-early positional grades for the 2025 NFL Draft. 

As a devourer of college football film (I ranked my top 100 players two weeks ago for CBSSports.com), I absolutely love putting my name on early projections a year out. This complements my way-too-early mock draft. 

Quarterback: C+

There's no Caleb Williams or even Bryce Young in this class. It's a pretty deep group, but we'll have to see this fall if any player emerges as a top-end, franchise-level quarterback. Fourteen quarterbacks made my ranking of the top 100 players in college football and I have fifteen others on my watch list. The overall consensus is Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, Texas' Quinn Ewers and Georgia's Carson Beck are likely to be the first three off the board but all of them have lots of questions to be answered this season. I'm not sleeping on Alabama's Jalen Milroe, either, and actually have him as the second quarterback selected in 2025. His skillset as a runner gives him the potential for a Jayden Daniels-type leap this fall, plus he'll be coached up by Kalen DeBoer, who turned Michael Penix Jr. from damaged goods to top-10 pick. 

Nobody would have had Bo Nix as a Round 1 pick a year ago, which means there's a huge opportunity this fall for guys like Miami's Cameron Ward, LSU's Garrett Nussmeier and Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart to crash the conversation. 

Running Back: A-

Solid year for some top-end backs who could find their way into the first round. I've got 12 backs on my top 100; three of them won't be draft-eligible in 2025. Ohio State's Quinshon Judkins has a really good shot of going in the first round. Oklahoma State's Ollie Gordon and Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson are expected to  go high as well. Cal's Jaydn Ott is a sleeper who scouts will fall in love with. Lots of quality backs round out the class. It's a much better group of running backs than the 2024 draft class, but there's not a Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs here.

Wide Receiver: A 

This position is loaded with talent every year. The 2025 draft won't be any different. If you're looking for a game-breaking, future No. 1 guy, you are in luck. There are 17 receivers in my top 100 and 15 are draft-eligible. Missouri's Luther Burden, Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan, Texas' Isaiah Bond, Oregon's Evan Stewart and Ole Miss' Tre Harris headline the class.

Tight End: B 

You don't just grow Brock Bowerses on trees, you know.  There may not be any first rounders in this group, but a few profile as really good Day 2 picks. I've got five guys in my top 100 headlined by Michigan's Colston Loveland, LSU's Mason Taylor, Ole Miss' Caden Prieskorn and Iowa's Luke Lachey. 

Offensive Line: B 

Big drop off-in talent from the 2024 NFL class to next year's group but still some gems. I've got 10 offensive linemen in my top 100, only one underclassmen, headlined by LSU'S Will Campbell and Texas' Kelvin Banks. They'll be top-15 picks next year. Oregon's Josh Connerly Jr and LSU's Emery Jones are two other guys to keep an eye on as well. Alabama's Tyler Booker will be the highest-rated interior lineman. 

EDGE: A 

The edge class has the potential to be a really strong group and could possibly have the No. 1 pick in Tennessee's James Pearce Jr., depending on how the top quarterbacks perform. 

I have 17 edge players in my top 100 and expect to see some movement once the season gets going on who can separate and dominate. There are likely two or three of these guys who will eventually become interior players at the next level. Penn State's Abdul Carter, FSU's Patrick Payton, Ohio State's Jack Sawyer and Texas A&M's Nic Scourton headline the edge class and I could see up to four edge players go in the first round.

Texas A&M's Cashius Howell is one of the most unique prospects I've watched with ridiculous twitch and get off.K eep an eye on him early on to see if he can translate at the next level of competition. 

Defensive Tackle: A

This is a strong group overall and one of the better defensive tackle classes I've seen in years. I've got 11 in my top 100, one underclassman. Expect to see multiple first-rounders including Michigan's Mason Graham, Ole Miss' Walter Nolen and Oregon's Jamaree Caldwell as the early favorites followed by Kentucky's Deone Walker and Michigan's Kenneth Grant. The latter two are large bodies that can stuff the line of scrimmage and play ball. 

I love this group and feel bad leaving somebody out, because it's a terrific year. 

Box Linebacker: C 

Not the strongest group of box linebackers, so you'll have to take one early if you need one. There are four dudes worth watching: Clemson's Barrett Carter, Iowa's Jay Higgins and Oklahoma's Danny Stutsman. LSU's Harold Perkins could be the best of the bunch but I'll wait to pass judgment until I see if he has embraced his role in the box. If not, then Perkins would join a strong edge class. Those four 'backers all made the top 100 and are expected to be impact players this season. 

Cornerback: A- 

Only six corners made the top 100 but some serious quality over quantity led by Colorado's Travis Hunter, my No. 1 player in the country. Hunter is someone who could be in the mix for the first pick in the draft in 2025. Maybe the Panthers get the first pick again and turn Hunter into their next Chris Gamble — but actually let him play receiver some, too.

Michigan's Will Johnson, Notre Dame's Benjamin Morrison and Wisconsin's Ricardo Hallman would be headliners in any other class. They are ballhawks with high ceilings. 

Safety: C- 

Meh. Four safeties made my top 100 list of the best players in college football, including one underclassman. Georgia's Malaki Starks, Alabama's Malachi Moore and Notre Dame's Xavier Watts round out the draftable center fielders. Starks may be the only one worth taking in the first round. The 2026 draft will be better as Ohio State's Caleb Downs profiles as a top-10 pick.

January 29, 2024

Andrew Graham, on3.com

With the college football season over for a few weeks and the NFL seasons functionally over — the Super Bowl is the only game left — things are moving rapidly to NFL Draft season. It’s also a good time to consider who might be atop draft boards this time next year.

CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli took a crack at coming up with the Top 20 draft-eligible players in college football in 2024. It includes a number of players who could’ve gone pro this year but chose to come back, plus a handful of rising juniors. All told, the list — which isn’t a ranking, per se — has nine offensive players and 11 defenders.

Check out the 20 players below, with 10 highlighted; five offense and five defense, each grouping in alphabetical order.

• Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
• Luther Burden, WR, Missouri
• Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
• Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon
• Cam Ward, QB, Miami
• Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
• Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
• Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
• Travis Hunter, DB, Colorado
• Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma
• Remaining top players for the 2025 NFL Draft (in alphabetical order)

Josh Conerly, OT, Oregon
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia

November 6, 2023

By Jonathan Gneiser, NBC 26 Northeast Wisconsin

GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — The countdown to the 2025 NFL Draft has officially begun.

The NFL and the Green Bay Packers have announced the dates of the 2025 NFL Draft will be April 24-26.

Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy and NFL Senior Director/Events Business Strategy Alex Brooke are speaking at the announcement in Lambeau Field’s Atrium. Community leaders, donors and partners from around the area are also in attendance to help build excitement and officially begin the countdown to the 2025 NFL Draft.

The 2025 NFL Draft will bring together fans from across the nation, as well as several foreign countries, to celebrate football and the selection of college players by NFL teams, according to a Packers press release.

The festivities will include several days of activities throughout Green Bay and will feature the NFL Draft Experience – a massive free football festival – near Lambeau Field to allow fans of all teams to participate and test their football skills, enjoy interactive exhibits and autograph sessions, and take pictures with the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The Draft Experience will be open all three days of the event.

While details of the 2025 NFL Draft are still being finalized, the main portion of the event is expected to take place on the Lambeau Field and Titletown campus, with a variety of venues to be utilized within close proximity, according to the Packers.

The NFL Draft has become one of the biggest and most-anticipated sporting events of the year. The 2023 Draft in Kansas City in April welcomed more than 312,000 fans and had more than 54 million viewers during the course of the three-day event.

November 6, 2023

By Kristyn Allen, WBAY TV Action 2 News

The draft has become one of the biggest and most-anticipated sporting events of the year.

September 26, 2023

By Nicholas Muzzillo, Dynasty League Football

Through four weeks of the college football season, it seems like we have already been able to determine the contenders from the pretenders. In week four, Colorado was humbled by a much more talented Oregon Ducks team that looks like it is on a mission and ready to get back to the College Football Playoff. Penn State blanked the Iowa Hawkeyes in a “whiteout” game at Beaver Stadium, and Ohio State narrowly escaped a victory in South Bend to give the Fighting Irish their first loss.

However, each one of those teams will have a number of 2024 NFL Draft prospects that we will be excited to discuss and analyze, in both their NFL future and dynasty outlook. The first, and very early, 2024 dynasty rookie mock dropped earlier this month, and I expect that to change as we approach midseason.

This is our first introduction though into the 2025 dynasty rookie class and some of the future prospects to familiarize two years from now. I also expect this mock to change down the road once it is official as to who leaves and who stays in 2024, but here are the future dynasty prospects who will have first-year draft eligibility next season.

1.01 – DREW ALLAR, QB PENN STATE

It has been a long time – nearly 30 years to be exact – since the Nittany Lions have had this type of talent at the quarterback position. Allar burst onto the scene in his debut start against West Virginia and hasn’t looked back. The throws he made throughout the game, and the type of arm talent he has, only very few have in college football. It didn’t take long, but for me, he has solidified this spot as the 1.01 in 2025.

1.02 – NICHOLAS SINGLETON, RB PENN STATE

Singleton hasn’t fully amped it up yet after his breakout first year, but I expect that to change as the year goes on. Still, despite the rather slow(er) start, it does not discredit the talent and profile he brings. It might be more of a credit to the talent surrounding him now, that they don’t need to rely on him as much as they did last year. If he does declare after the 2024 season, Singleton will without question be the consensus RB1 in the 2025 class.

1.03 – TRAVIS HUNTER, ATH COLORADO

Coach Prime wasn’t kidding when he said he was bringing his luggage with him, wasn’t he? Hunter, Shedeur Sanders (son of Deion) and true freshman running back Dylan Edwards have been the stars for the Buffaloes so far in Boulder and Hunter had played nearly every snap on both sides of the ball up until his injury in their week three showdown with Colorado State. This is a very unique situation, as Hunter has displayed he can excel at both wide receiver and defensive back. It is more likely his future is as a cornerback at the next level, but for these purposes, we cannot ignore his ability and talent as a receiver. If he does end up declaring, and decides to enter the NFL Draft as an offensive weapon, remember that it was here at DLF when this was first predicted. In all seriousness though, Hunter’s talent and god-given ability should not be ignored.

1.04 – EVAN STEWART, WR TEXAS A&M

A consensus five-star recruit in 2022, Stewart was a freshman All-American and has started strong in 2023 with a 22-307-3 TD line. His track speed (two-sport athlete in high school – track and football) has been on display and is steadily building his case as the 2025 dynasty rookie WR1. Stewart is listed at six feet, 175 pounds and will continue to fill out the frame over the next two years. Texas A&M has rebounded from a disappointing 2022 to start the 2023 season at 3-1. Stewart and Ainias Smith are a solid one-two combination for the Aggies, but it is Stewart who you should be most excited about.

1.05 – QUINSHON JUDKINS, RB OLE MISS

Judkins is a former five-star prospect that burst onto the scene as a true freshman, eventually overtaking incumbent Zach Evans (who was drafted in the sixth round by the Rams in 2023) and became the Rebels’ RB1 early. Judkins is quick and flashy, with an explosive burst and sharp, precise lateral quickness in space. He is listed at 5 foot 11, 210 pounds, which profiles similarly to Eagles running back D’Andre Swift. Judkins’ smaller stature prevents from being a true bellcow. Through the first three games, he has shared the field with senior running back Ulysses Bentley IV, resulting in close to a 60/40 snap percentage split. Still, it is clear the burst, explosiveness, and juice Judkins plays with it. He should continue to improve and will be in the top-five overall rookie conversation in 2025.

1.06 – DAMIEN MARTINEZ, RB OREGON STATE

Martinez was a three-star recruit out of Texas and won the job as a true freshman for the Beavers, rushing for 982 yards and seven touchdowns. He has started off really strong in 2023, rushing for over 100 yards in three out of their first four games with an eye-popping 4.98 yards after contact (per Pro Football Focus). What is most intriguing about Martinez is his size/strength combination. He is listed at a hulking six feet and 232 pounds, up 16 pounds from his rookie weight of 216. He may be a guy you do not know much about since he plays most of his games on the West Coast and the Beavers aren’t exactly known for as being a college football powerhouse, but he is a name you should get familiar with if he is here in this rookie mock as a top-six rookie pick.

1.07 – LUTHER BURDEN III, WR MISSOURI

Burden was a consensus five-star recruit and ninth-ranked overall player by 247 sports. He has played in ten games for the Tigers and has started off strong in 2023. He is used in many different ways for Missouri and is both explosive and dynamic with the ball in his hands. His speed also allows him to stretch the field vertically and easily separate from defenders. Burden is listed 5 foot 11, but he plays much bigger than his size and has been the best player on the field for the Tigers. He is draft eligible going into next year as a true junior. If he does declare, he will be a top 25-50 pick ensuring him first-round value in rookie drafts.

1.08 – CONNER WEIGMAN, QB TEXAS A&M

This might tell you everything you need to know about the prospective quarterback class in 2025. Weigman comes off the board here at the 1.08 selection as the QB2. He may not be better than some of the talented prospects below him, but because of the nature of this exercise, it would be hard to have him any lower due to his upside and potentially high ceiling. The fact is, Weigman was a high recruit (ranked as the top quarterback by ESPN in 2022 class), started as a true freshman, earned 2022 Freshman All-American honors, and has the size/frame of a potential franchise quarterback at 6’3″ 215 pounds. He has started off strong with 909 yards and eight touchdowns and has led the Aggies to a 3-1 start. It won’t be known until draft season if draft-eligible underclassmen quarterbacks (such as Shedeur Sanders) returns for 2024, but I don’t expect there to be only two quarterbacks projected in this class.

1.09 – KAYTRON ALLEN, RB PENN STATE

Penn State having two elite talents in their backfield is a luxury. Allen is the 1B to Singleton’s 1A and should not be forgotten. Both have played a huge role to the hot start for the Nittany Lions and Allen will continue to be a significant contributor for the next two years. Allen is a former four-star recruit out of powerhouse IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Allen’s size, power, and play strength all are traits that will translate to the next level. He will be hard to leave out of the 2025 first-round rookie draft conversation if his profile checks out.

1.10 – ANTONIO WILLIAMS, WR CLEMSON

Williams became a key piece in the Tigers’ offense as the year progressed last season culminating in their Orange Bowl appearance. He has built off his true freshman campaign where he caught 56 receptions and four touchdowns. He missed last week’s showdown against Florida State due to injury, but still leads the Clemson offense in receiving with a 15-145-2 line. Per PFF, he also carries a 2.42 yards per route run, improving off the 1.61 he had last year. The only setback for Williams at this point has been the play of quarterback Cade Klubnik. If at any point Klubnik improves, so Williams and the Tigers’ offense as a whole.

1.11 – JAYDN OTT, RB CALIFORNIA

Ott is the fifth running back to be included in this mock, which is showing the potential depth of this class in 2025. Like Martinez before him, Ott also made an impact in 2022 as a true freshman staying home to Cal and rushing for 897 yards and eight touchdowns. The one difference between the two is that Ott has been much more of a factor in the passing game, as displayed through his 46-321-3 receiving line last season. Ott is listed at an even six foot, 200 pounds and fits the profile as a duo threat running back that the NFL likes. By next year, I think Ott will be higher on this list and will be a no-brainer 2025 top-five running back and first-round rookie pick.

1.12 – TETAIROA MCMILLAN, WR ARIZONA

The final selection here to close out this mock may be the most intriguing and highest upside. McMillan is a former four-star recruit and three-sport athlete (football, basketball, volleyball) and has towering size at six foot five. He led all true freshman wide receivers in 2022 with 39 receptions, 702 yards, and eight touchdowns and has been even more impressive to start the year with a 21-341-3 receiving line. If you already have McMillan on your roster, whether in campus to canton or devy leagues, then you’ve done a great job in identifying long-term talent. After Evan Stewart, I think it is a wide open conversation and very much in the air as to who is the 2025 WR2, but with McMillan’s profile and talent, it would be hard to argue his positioning.

October 20, 2023

By Jeff Kerr, CBS Sports

The Falcons add Street to their defensive line

May 22, 2023

By Richard Ryman, Green Bay Press-Gazette

GREEN BAY – The National Football League draft is coming to Green Bay.

The league awarded Green Bay the 2025 draft during the league meeting Monday in Minneapolis. It's the culmination of seven years effort by the Green Bay Packers and Discover Green Bay, the local tourism bureau.

The Packers estimate 240,000 people will attend the draft in Green Bay, generating a $94 million economic impact statewide and $20 million locally. Kansas City reported 320,000 visitors for the 2023 draft held in April.

"The Packers have a rich and proud history that goes back to the early days of the NFL and are the only community-owned team," Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy said in a written statement. "That connection to our league's heritage combined with the great passion Packers fans will bring will make the draft a memorable event for those in attendance and NFL fans watching around the world."

In other cities, local organizing groups take the lead in hosting the draft. Because Green Bay is the smallest market in the NFL, by a lot, the Packers will be more involved than other NFL teams normally are.

May 23, 2023

By Emmett Prosser, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

It's likely the most anticipated event to take place in Green Bay since the 1967 Ice Bowl.

Let's hope the weather will be slightly more comfortable.

The NFL has announced that the Packers and Titletown USA will host the 2025 NFL draft. And since it's never too early to talk about who the team will be looking to add to its roster two years from now in these parts, here's also a few way too early items about what to know about the event itself:

When is the 2025 NFL draft?

The dates have yet to be announced, but it typically has been held the last full week in April. The 2024 event at Ford Field in Detroit is April 25-27.

How many days does the NFL draft last?

The NFL draft has become a three-day event. The first round takes place on a Thursday evening, the second and third rounds are Friday night and the remaining four rounds of the draft begin Saturday afternoon.

How many rounds are in the NFL draft?

Each team is automatically awarded one pick over seven rounds of the draft.

Are tickets going to be available to attend the NFL draft in Green Bay and how much do they cost?

Shockingly, the NFL draft is still free. For the draft in Kansas City, fans wishing to attend the draft had to register through the NFL's website.

How many people are expected to attend the draft at Lambeau Field?

More than 312,000 people attended the 2023 draft in Kansas City. Over 2.2 million NFL fans have gone to the draft since 2014 when the NFL started awarding the draft to various cities throughout the league.

Where can NFL fans attending the 2025 NFL draft stay?

According to Discover Green Bay, the area has 4,653 hotel rooms, so it will likely be a longer commute to the draft than normal for Bears and other out-of-town NFL fans.

May 22, 2023

By Jeremy Bergman, Digital Content Editor, NFL.com

June 13, 2023

By Ben Krumholz, FOX 11 News

GREEN BAY (WLUK) -- The Green Bay Police Department is looking to become more mobile in crowded spaces.

Even before last month's announcement of Green Bay hosting the 2025 NFL Draft, the city's police department was already looking to buy bikes.

“We see this as some capability that we need to develop fairly deliberately," said GBPD Chief Chris Davis. "And the Draft will be here in less than two years, so we want to be prepared for that."

Davis says adding 27 bikes, for what will be called a Mobile Response Team, will give the department public order policing capability. It's something he says the department currently doesn't have.

“You can't drive a motor vehicle usually through a crowd with any kind of speed at all, and if you're on foot, you're limited by how fast you can walk or run,” said Davis.

Davis says bikes also create quick barricades, which comes in handy for parades and marches.

The proposal is to use state grant money to buy the 27 bikes from Broken Spoke Bike Studio for $33,480.

The city’s finance committee signed off on the spending plan Tuesday evening, and the city council is expected to do the same at its June 27 meeting.

August 14, 2023

By Dario Melendez, WISN 12 ABC

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says Titletown will be the center of the viewing world

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made it official, Green Bay is on the clock. In 20 months, Titletown will host the 2025 NFL Draft. The NFL's biggest offseason event will be held in the league's smallest market.

"We may be the smallest, but we know how to do things, and we know how to host big events," Packers CEO Mark Murphy said.

It will be, by far, the biggest event Green Bay has ever hosted. It will also bring some of the biggest financial impacts the state has ever seen.

”It’s going to attract just under a quarter million people and will create an economic impact of $94 million statewide,” added Murphy.

"It’s your chance to put your community on the biggest stage,” said Goodell.

That opportunity is true not just for Green Bay, but for the rest of the state, too, especially Milwaukee.

“We anticipate we will see some good hotel room nights off of the draft,” said Peggy Williams-Smith, the CEO of Visit Milwaukee.

On top of economic impact the draft will have on Milwaukee, Green Bay and the rest of the state, it is also going to make Titletown the center of the viewing world.

Mark Murphy said the Packers expect 54 million tv viewers for the draft, and Roger Goodell countered, suggesting it will be closer to 70 million viewers.

You'll be able to see the 2025 NFL Draft right here on WISN 12 in April 2025.

August 16, 2023

By Packers.com

NFL Commissioner puts Titletown “on the clock”

A rainy day didn't dampen spirits as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers were welcomed by Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy to Packers training camp on Monday, Aug. 14. Goodell greeted Packers fans and saluted Green Bay for its selection to host the 2025 NFL Draft in a recognition event.

October 20, 2023

By NBC 26

Even Ashwaubenon's newest hotel, the Hampton Inn on Morris Ave., has already received requests for rooms in April 2025 for the NFL Draft. Many draft-goers will likely be forced to stay outside the Green Bay area.

May 22, 2023

By Packers.com

May 22, 2023

By Rob Demovsky, ESPN Staff Writer

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The NFL's smallest city isn't big enough to host a Super Bowl, but it is getting the next best thing.

The league announced Monday that the 2025 NFL draft will be held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, population 107,395.

This has been nearly a decade in the making. Packers president Mark Murphy first revealed in 2016 that the team combined with local government and tourism officials to put in a bid to host the draft in as early as 2019. There had been concerns about whether the Green Bay area had enough infrastructure, including hotels and convention space, to host such a large-scale event.

Since then, efforts were ramped up with additional construction around Lambeau Field and the Titletown District to add more hotels, restaurants and exhibition space. Green Bay was one of three finalists to host the 2024 draft, which was awarded last to Detroit last March.

The 2025 draft will take place "inside and around iconic Lambeau Field and Titletown," according to an announcement by the Packers.

"The Draft has become a prominent offseason event hosted in different cities with spectacular locations across the country, and we are excited to work with the Packers and Discover Green Bay to bring the 2025 NFL draft to Green Bay and iconic Lambeau field," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "With the help of numerous local partners on the ground, our prospects and fans will be treated to an incredible week-long experience that shows off the city of Green Bay and the state of Wisconsin."

The Packers said the festivities will include several days of activities and the NFL Draft Experience near the stadium during all three days of the draft.

June 2, 2023

By Anthony Dabruzzi, Spectrum News 1

MADISON, Wis. — Lawmakers on the Wisconsin Legislature’s budget-writing committee have approved spending state money to help host the NFL Draft when it comes to Green Bay in 2025.

Two Republican lawmakers from the Green Bay area got exactly what they wanted. State Sen. Robert Cowles and State Rep. David Steffen asked for $2 million in funding to help put on the major three-day event, which the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce estimates could bring in $94 million in economic impact for Wisconsin.

What You Need To Know

• Two Green Bay area lawmakers requested using $2 million of the upcoming state budget to help offset the costs of hosting the 2025 NFL Draft

• Lawmakers on the budget-writing committee approved the spending Thursday as part of the tourism budget 

• The overall budget bill still needs to be approved by the full Legislature and Gov. Tony Evers

The Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee voted Thursday evening to increase funding for tourism marketing by $20 million.

“I’m happy that we are giving the Department of Tourism the flexibility, with a continuing appropriation, to spend this onetime money over whatever period of time it takes for them to invest as wisely as possible,” State Sen. Howard Marklein, R-Spring Green, said ahead of Thursday vote.

A new $10 million fund to help attract major events to the Badger State was also approved.

“Whether it’s the NFL Draft, whether it’s the RNC, or things that are beyond what we even know are available right now, so that’s why I’m so thankful that we are moving forward,” State Sen. Joan Ballweg, R-Markesan, said.

The vote came along party lines, with all Republicans in favor of the tourism funding package. Though Democrats voted against the GOP plan, it wasn’t because they were opposed to the spending. Their plan also included a $2 million investment to support the NFL Draft.

“Those dollars can be used to ensure that when the 2025 NFL Draft comes to Lambeau in Green Bay that there are dollars to put in a state share to ensure that is a successful event, [that] when we’re on a national stage we are promoting Wisconsin appropriately,” State Rep. Evan Goyke, D-Milwaukee, said of the motion.

To achieve that, Democrats wanted to put more of the surplus dollars toward tourism.

“If Wisconsin is going to be seen as the premiere state that it is, we are going to have to put our money where our mouth is,” State Sen. LaTonya Johnson, D-Milwaukee, explained. “We are going to have to showcase what the state has to offer, and what better way to do that than to add additional dollars.”

The estimated cost to host the draft is $7.5 million, with the Packers pledging $1 million. Another $4.5 million will come from local funding, which lawmakers said likely will be in the form of corporate sponsors and community partners donations, as well as money from stadium district. The remaining gap would be filled in by the $2 million contribution from the state.

May 23, 2023

By Megan Marshall, Spectrum News 1

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. — After the news broke about the NFL draft coming to Green Bay, many nearby communities started preparing for the influx of people coming to the entire state of Wisconsin.

What You Need To Know

• • The city of Green Bay expects over 240,000 visitors during the draft week with an approximate $94 million dollar statewide economic impact
  • Sheboygan is just an hour away from Green Bay and it is expected to be a hot spot to be when hundreds of thousands make their way to Wisconsin
  • The Blue Harbor Resort said it already signed up to be a host location with the NFL

In fact, communities like Sheboygan, which is just an hour away from Green Bay, expect to bring in many visitors in 2025.

Parker John’s BBQ and Pizza in Sheboygan said it’s looking forward to the Draft coming to Wisconsin. Parker John’s is known as the official caterer for the Green Bay Packers, and has many locations throughout the Fox Citifies.

The Sheboygan location knows it will also see a boom in business.

“I thought it was super cool,” Parker John’s general manager, Tim Bartz, said. “I thought it took too long for the draft to come to Green Bay.”

Bartz said the team is looking forward to the overflow of visitors to stay in their city for the Draft — as they have done for huge events like the PGA Championship.

“It’s exciting to know we are going to get some spillover,” Bartz said. “There’s a lot of big things that have happened in the past 10 years in this area, and we have been more than ready to handle the challenge.”

All of those potential tourists will need somewhere to stay, especially with the relatively small amount of hotel rooms located in the Green Bay area.

The Blue Harbor Resort said it has already signed up to be a host location with the NFL.

“We are looking forward to it,” Blue Harbor Resort group sales manager, Delaine Reichert, said. “We are going to see a great tapestry of people that get to see Sheboygan and Wisconsin in a different light and hopefully return and enjoy everything we have to offer here.”

While the Draft is still two years away, excitement is brewing and preparations are already underway in the hospitality industry.

“I’ve watched it every single year,” Bartz said. “To know that is going to be a week of awesome things coming to Wisconsin.

Green Bay expects over 240,000 visitors during the draft week with an approximate $94 million dollar statewide economic impact.

May 24, 2023

By Richard Ryman, Green Bay Press-Gazette

GREEN BAY – Green Bay will host the 2025 National Football League draft, but in all respects, it will be an NFL event.

"This is really the NFL's business," Gabrielle Dow, Packers vice president of marketing and fan engagement, said during a press conference Wednesday at Lambeau Field. "The NFL benefits from this and keeps all ancillary revenue. And their sponsors are tied to this as well."

That means the league will decide all of the details, including where the main stage is, one of the questions frequently asked. Like everyone else, the Packers would like to know, too. They suggested it be inside Lambeau Field. The stage has been about 100 yards wide, so that limits the number of places it could go, Dow said.

NFL representatives will come to Green Bay in June for a site visit, the first of many over the next two years.

The main stage, NFL Experience, green room, media center, red carpet and fan areas will all take place on the Lambeau Field campus, which for the purpose of the draft will include Lambeau, the Titletown District, Resch Center and Resch Expo.

After chasing their goal for seven years, the Packers learned on May 9 that the draft would come to Lambeau Field, but they had to wait three more weeks before it would be approved by league owners.

"Mark (Murphy) called me on May 9 to say we've got it, but we have to wait for the ownership to vote, and my life flashed before my eyes," said Dow, who led the effort to secure the NFL's premier non-football event for northeastern Wisconsin.

The draft is projected to generate overall attendance of 240,000 over three days, $20 million in local economic impact and $94 million in statewide impact.

"We are building an experience that is bigger than ourselves," said Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy. "It is an incredible, once-in-a-generation opportunity that will create a lasting legacy for Wisconsin. It will be exciting. It's an awful lot of work. We have less than two years, but we're ready to get started."

When will the draft be held?

The NFL held the draft the final weekend in April the last several years, but Dow said three dates are under consideration, including the first weekend in May. This year it was held April 27-29 in Kansas City.

What is different about this draft than previous ones?

The Packers are the first NFL team to take the lead in hosting a draft. In other cities, local tourism bureaus or community committees were the leaders.

"Cleveland, Nashville, Kansas City, all those organizations like ours have $20 million budgets and about 60 people on staff," Toll said. "We have 14 (staffers)."

That made the Packers' involvement essential, and was the one area where Green Bay being the NFL's smallest market was a deterrent. Otherwise, Murphy and Dow said the NFL was not concerned about Green Bay's size.

August 14, 2023

By Rod Burks, TMJ-TV 4 Milwaukee

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was in Green Bay on Monday, where he discussed Green Bay being selected as the host city for the 2025 NFL draft.

GREEN BAY, Wis. — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was in Green Bay on Monday, where he discussed Green Bay being selected as the host city for the 2025 NFL draft.

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