Since taking over as the Green Bay Packers general manager, Brian Gutekunst has spent six draft picks on prospects who competed in the College Football Playoff that year, with the most recent picks being Devonte Wyatt and Quay Walker in 2022.
With the expansion to 12 teams this year, that number will likely increase after the 2025 NFL Draft.
Over the next few days, we will examine prospects on all 12 playoff teams who could be potential targets for the Packers in the upcoming draft. Let’s get started with Clemson, the No. 12 seed.
DeMonte Capehart, DT
Capehart would clog up running lanes in the middle of Jeff Hafley’s defense. With his size and strength, Capehart roots in and eats up space. The Clemson defensive tackle has the power to forklift offensive lineman out of his way to make plays behind the line of scrimmage.
With his ability to two-gap, Capehart could step in immediately and help shore up a team’s run defense. With his brute strength, he can collapse the pocket. However, he may never be more than a two-down player at the next level. Thus far this season he’s recorded three pressures and zero sacks.
As a likely Day 3 pick, Capehart doesn’t need to be John Randle. A team would be drafting him for his run-stopping ability.
The Packers will likely be in the market for TJ Slaton’s replacement and Capehart could slot in nicely.
Phil Mafah, RB
After spending a Day 2 pick on Marshawn Lloyd a year ago and with the emergence of Emmanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks, it’s hard to see a pathway where the Packers use premium draft capital on a running back during the 2025 draft.
Mafah is a bigger back that runs with good patience and vision. The Clemson back is a bruising back that runs through initial contact. Over the past two seasons, Mafah has racked up 1,347 yards after contact.
Marcus Tate, OG
Tate has started 36 games at left guard for the Tigers and has given up one sack and 11 pressures thus far this season. Tate moves with a bounce in his step and looks comfortable on the move.
Antonio Williams, WR
The Packers are set at wide receiver and Gutekunst probably sits up at night contemplating which young playmakers he’ll re-sign out of the group.
Williams is a dynamic playmaker, who finds a second gear in space and is able to create chunk plays.
The Clemson wide receiver also brings special teams value as a punt returner. He has 34 returns for his career with an 8.8 yards per return average. This season he’s averaging 9.7 yards per return.
Barrett Carter is another name that Packers fans should watch for the Tigers. The Clemson linebacker is an explosive mover, but he may be undersized for Green Bay’s liking.
Jake Briningstool is an athletic tight end. With Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave already in the fold, it’s unlikely that the Packers would look to add him to the mix.
