Last week, the topic of this summer’s Packers positional battle special was the running back group. This week, it is time to turn the page to the Green Bay safety room. The Packers are in a very promising spot with this group. The 2024 All-Pro and Pro Bowl Safety Xavier McKinney anchors this young, talented group. Behind McKinney, there are three second year players, all of whom, the Packers are thrilled to see what they can do in year 2.
There is no doubt that Xavier McKinney is the vocal point of this group and more importantly, the Green Bay defense. The four players behind McKinney, who are the focus of this discussion, all bring interesting attributes to the team. The three young guns, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, and Kitan Oladapo, bring potential and promise to the Packers safety room. The final piece to the equation is special teams ace Zayne Anderson. Anderson will be fighting for a roster spot. His value is on special teams but he showed some potential in spare snaps at safety late last season.
Packers Safety Evan Williams
Evan Williams was a pleasant surprise for the Packers during his rookie season. Williams appears to be the front runner to secure the second starting spot next to Xavier McKinney. Evan Williams is praised for his football IQ. His breakout game came in Week 5 in Los Angeles against the Rams. Williams had 10 total tackles and 2 passes defended, including the game sealing stop on fourth down. Williams did struggle with injuries throughout the season and when he was not in the lineup, the Green Bay secondary struggled.
Evan Williams was a fourth round pick out of Oregon. As of right now, the Packers seem to have found a steal. However, if Jaire Alexander returns, with CB Nate Hobbs now on the team, it leaves a big question for Javon Bullard. It is likely that Williams and Bullard will battle it out for the chance to start alongside McKinney. During OTAs so far, Evan Williams has gotten the starting nod. This camp battle will be an exciting one to watch.
Packers Safety Javon Bullard
The 2024 second round out of the University of Georgia is the toughest puzzle to solve this offseason. During his rookie season, Javon Bullard played the majority of his snaps in the slot. It was an up and down year for Bullard. He struggled in coverage but showed potential to be a force around the line of scrimmage. According to PFF, he ranked 141st out of 171 safeties in coverage. However, as a run defender, he did rank 78th out of 171 safeties.
Bullard’s toughest came against the Lions in Detroit. His lack of speed, compared to Amon-Ra St. Brown and most slot wide receivers, became a problem on crossing routes. With the addition of Nate Hobbs, who brings a lot of experience in the slot to Green Bay, Bullard is a versatile piece without a home.
When he was at Georgia, he excelled in the slot more so than at safety. It is possible that the jump to the NFL was a lot to process for Bullard. The Packers are hopeful that the game will slow down for Bullard in year 2. Javon Bullard will be given a chance to start along side McKinney. Ultimately, it is likely that he will serve as a chess piece for DC Jeff Hafley to use in certain scenarios.
Packers Safety Kitan Oladapo
Former Oregon State Beaver, Kitan Oladapo, is the biggest unsolved mystery in the safety room. Oladapo come into the 2024 offseason workouts battling a foot injury. As a result, he never really saw a ton of playing time on the defensive side of the ball. He did contribute some on special teams. Compared to Williams and Bullard, Oladapo brings size and physicality to the safety position. LaFleur told the media this week, that he sees “consistent growth” from Kitan Oladapo.
The Packers ought to be excited to have an offseason with a healthy Oladapo. The team is intrigued by his size and versatility. He could be an interesting piece for Hafley so having the chance to fully participate in the offseason programs and training camp will be a good test for Oladapo. His spot on the roster is pretty much set but it would be safe to bet that his contribution will most likely come on special teams. Oladapo is depth piece that the Packers want to continue to develop.
Packers Safety Zayne Anderson
Yes, Packers Safety Zayne Anderson does exist! This was a running joke for a while because when he first arrived in Green Bay, he was sidelined with a few injuries. Anderson enters his third season with the green and gold. He has proven to be a useful special teams player. His highest value for the Packers is with the special teams group. However, he did see some time at safety in 2024 with a few injuries at the position.
Zayne Anderson registered his first career interception against the Saints in Week 16. That game was Anderson’s first career start.. He was called upon to fill in against the Lions in Detroit. Anderson made a great play on 3rd and 1 in that game. He was able to tackle Lions RB David Montgomery for no gain. His path to the roster is not as certain as the three second year players. However, with his value on special teams, and the potential he showed in his limited defensive snaps in 2024, a strong preseason will secure another year in Green Bay for Anderson.
In Conclusion
The Packers do have safeties Omar Brown, Kashmir Brown, and Johnathan Baldwin on the roster for training camp. It is unlikely that these three make the roster but if one of them impresses during camp and the preseason, that could certainly change.
Expect the Packers to start Evan Williams next to Xavier McKinney this season. How the Packers choose to use Javon Bullard will be worth a close watch during training camp. It will be interesting to see what Oladapo and Anderson can do during camp and in the Packers three preseason games as well. Maybe, one of them can put together a strong performance and find some playing time on the defensive side of the ball this season.
