Many will argue that cornerback is the weakest position on the Green Bay Packers roster. Javon Bullard will help change that narrative. He has been the starting nickel back so far through training camp.
Although drafted as a safety out of Georgia, Bullard has spent most of his time playing in the slot in the NFL. The starting safety job next to Xavier McKinney went to Evan Williams last season while Bullard found a home playing in the slot. He moved back to safety at various times throughout the season when Williams got hurt.
Bullard’s versatility may have been one of the reasons GM Brian Gutekunst drafted him in the first place. Gutekunst likes his players to be able to line up at multiple positions on the football field. This goes for cornerbacks, wide receivers, defensive lineman, and offensive lineman among other positions.
With Bullard playing almost full time in the slot this offseason, it gives the Packers cornerback room more depth and flexibility. Both Keisean Nixon and Nate Hobbs have played in the slot at times in their careers but Bullard allows them both to play as outside corners. Carrington Valentine has played strictly outside thus far in his career.
Bullard struggled at times in coverage during his rookie season. However, he is at his best near the line of scrimmage. He isn’t afraid to stick his nose in there against the run. There is potential for him as a blitzer in that role as well.
Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams will be the starters at safety once again this season. If either of them were to miss any time this season, Bullard would be called upon to move back to safety. His versatility, along with the versatility of Nixon and Hobbs, lets the Packers get their best 11 players on the field.
The Packers also re-signed veteran cornerback Corey Ballentine who filled in well at times during his first stint with the Packers from 2022-2024. If Bo Melton, Kalen King, or rookie Micah Robinson play well during the preseason, the depth in the cornerback room might not be as thin as it seems.
