The Green Bay Packers will have a new-look defense in 2024 thanks mostly to new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, but a few new additions to the roster are sure to help shake things up as well.
The Packers added a lot to their defense this offseason, with the key addition being the top safety in the free agent class in Xavier McKinney. Second round rookies Edgerrin Cooper and Javon Bullard also have some hype surrounding them. One player who can’t be overlooked, however, is Evan Williams; a fourth round safety out of Oregon. I had the pleasure of watching Williams during his tenure at my Alma Mater, Fresno State, and it’s been clear for some time that he has a strong sense for playing defense at a high level.
Since the start of training camp Williams has shown an impressive understanding of the game and a strong nose for the football. He even seems to already be one of the best tacklers in Green Bay’s secondary.
Williams may not get a nod to get the full time starting spot opposite Xavier McKinney, as that role may fall to Javon Bullard. However, as former Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry once said, having too many good defensive backs is just one of those “champagne problems.”
Packers head coach Matt Lafleur has hinted that the defense may deploy a wide variety of different packages and looks this season, and I surely anticipate a role of some significance falling to Evan Williams, who managed to force a fumble in last Saturday’s preseason contest against the Cleveland Browns.
The Packers identity last season was that of a young and scrappy team, due mostly to the contributions of first and second year players on the offensive side of the ball. In 2024, the defense seems to be following suit and placing some lofty expectations on young players to step into Hafley’s scheme and make an impact.
Whether Williams rotates in to play alongside McKinney at a traditional safety spot, or if he finds himself in some sort of hybrid role, he will have a real chance to live up to the Micah Hyde comparisons on this 2024 iteration of the Green Bay Packers defense.
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Zack is a college student and cheesehead from California. When he’s not in class or writing, you can find him talking about the Packers on Twitter at @Zack_Upchurch.
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