The Green Bay Packers are set to open training camp later this month. This is the next in a series of articles previewing the Packers position by position, analyzing the talent on the roster and discussing key questions that are facing the team as they begin preparation for the 2024 season. Today we will examine the safety position. We will preview another position each day until the start of training camp.
To see our preview of the quarterbacks, click here and for defensive tackles, click here, click here for running backs, here for linebackers, here for tight end, and for offensive linemen, click here.
Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Safety, Projected Starters: Xavier McKinney
Xavier McKinney was one of the Packers two big signings in free agency. The former New York Giants player gives the Packers a big upgrade at the safety position. His ability to play deep in coverage and move close to the line of scrimmage on occasion adds to his value and gives Jeff Hafley the ability to disguise his defenses a bit.
If McKinney stays healthy, he will give the Packers their best player at safety in the last three years.
Javon Bullard
Rookie second-round pick Javon Bullard should be the starter opposite McKinney. How quickly he picks up the defense and is ready to start will be important to the progress of the defense.
At Georgia, Bullard was a leader. He has a high football IQ and sees the game very well.
Bullard can also play slot corner which again adds to the team’s ability to disguise its defenses. His physicality and athleticism give him a lot of potential to be in the lineup long term.
Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Safety, Projected Backups: Anthony Johnson Jr.
Anthony Johnson, Jr. surprised a lot of people last season. The seventh-round pick had a strong training camp and made the team. He started four games while playing in 12. He also broke up three passes and made his first career interception.
Johnson will battle for a bigger role in the defense. Obviously, GM Brian Gutekunst was not sold on Johnson because he drafted three safeties this year.
The former Iowa State star can compete for a bigger role even if he doesn’t start and should also see time on special teams.
Kitan Oladapo
Rookie Kitan Oladapo has the athleticism the Packers crave. In college, he excelled at man coverage. He is also physical and can line up in the box or in single high coverage.
Oladapo missed OTAs as he recovered from a broken toe. That will likely mean it will take more time for him to get up to speed once training camp starts.
Once he does get up to speed, Oladapo can become a regular contributor to the team’s defense.
Benny Sapp
Benny Sapp played in five games for the Packers after being activated off the practice squad. He saw three snaps on defense and 40 on special teams.
Special teams will be critical for Sapp if he hopes to make the 53-man roster this season. He could return to the practice squad to give the Packers experienced depth at safety and on special teams.
Evan Williams
The Packers selected Evan Williams in the fourth round of this year’s draft. The Oregon alum excelled in covering receivers downfield in college. His lack of elite speed may hinder his ability to do that in the NFL. He may be better suited to play box safety in the NFL.
Williams plays the run well which helps. He also has special teams experience. Look for him to play on special teams as a rookie while taking a few snaps on defense if he plays well in training camp.
Tyler Coyle
The Packers signed Tyler Coyle to the practice squad before the 2023 season finale. The former Purdue star spent 2021 and 2022 on the Cowboys practice squad and was activated for three regular season games. He saw action on both defense and special teams.
Coyle is better in the box than in coverage. He hits hard and has a good work ethic. He will need to excel on special teams to make the roster or the practice squad.
Zayne Anderson
Zayne Anderson played 10 games for the Packers last season and made four total tackles. He did not play any snaps on defense but was a core special teams player for Rich Bisaccia.
Anderson had a strong day in OTAs, intercepting multiple passes, but will need to continue to play well on special teams to make the final roster.
Three Key Questions for the Packers Safety
Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Safety: Question One, Who Starts Opposite McKinney?
Bullard is the favorite to win the job, but the rookie still has to prove he’s ready to play a large role on defense.
The potential is there for Bullard to be a key contributor, but who quickly will he be ready? If not, will the team turn to Williams or Johnson or Oladapo or someone else? That will be a battle to watch during training camp.
Question Two: How Quickly Will the Rookies Contribute?
Bullard, Williams, and Oladapo all have potential. Gutekunst did not select three safeties in this year’s draft without the intention of giving them a chance to play. But most rookies need time to adjust to life in the NFL.
Last season, safety was a position of concern. The faster these rookies get up to speed, the quicker they and McKinney can have a positive impact on the defense.
Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Safety: How Often Do the Packers Play Three Safeties?
Hafley may play three safeties at times when the Packers are in their dime defense. But who will those players be? They could also go to four cornerbacks if no safeties prove they are ready.
The strength and depth at this position will go a long way towards determining how Hafley is able to implement his defensive packages.
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