Packers projected to gain extra draft capital, and Brian Gutekunst knows how to maximize value of it

The Green Bay Packers will probably start the 2025 draft with eight total picks. Nick Korte, who does a great job of projecting compensatory picks for Over the Cap, finalized his 2025 projection.

Based on it, the Packers are expected to receive a seventh-round pick for losing offensive tackle Yosh Nijman in free agency to the Carolina Panthers last year. He signed a one-year,$4 million deal.

Each year, the NFL awards at least 32 additional picks for unrestricted free agent players, coaches, and executives who depart from their previous teams. The formula for the players is based on the yearly average of the contract signed and snaps.

Packers projection

The Packers lost guard Jon Runyan ($10 million) and safety Darnell Savage ($7.25 million) in free agency as well. However, those are canceled for compensatory pick purposes because the Packers also signed safety Xavier McKinney ($17 million) and running back Josh Jacobs ($12 million).

Therefore, Nijman ($ 4 million) is the only lost free agent who qualifies for Green Bay. The team also lost safety Jonathan Owens to the Chicago Bears, but his $1.9 million salary isn't high enough to qualify.

Draft capital

The Packers have kept their original picks from rounds one through six. They have been active with seventh-rounders, though. The team traded its own seventh to acquire quarterback Malik Willis from the Tennessee Titans, then received another one for edge defender Preston Smith when he was dealt to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Now, the Packers are projected to have eight total picks, including two in the seventh round.

Value

It might be hard to find impactful players in the seventh round, but Brian Gutekunst's track record has shown that it's possible. He has made sure to have a multitude of seventh-rounders, because the contract guarantees for them might be lower than the ones of priority undrafted free agents.

Over the last couple of years, Packers players drafted in the seventh round include starting left tackle Rasheed Walker and cornerback Carrington Valentine.