The Green Bay Packers could add a safety to a group that’s led by Xavier McKinney (29).
The NFL Draft begins April 24 and the Green Bay Packers have the 23rd pick in the first round. In the days leading up to the draft, we’re examining Green Bay’s current situation at each position and how likely the Packers are to take a player for that group.
Today, we’ll look at safeties.
Part 10: SAFETIES
PACKERS DEPTH CHART
Pro Bowler Xavier McKinney finished second in the NFL with eight interceptions. That was the most by a Packer since Charles Woodson had nine INTs in 2009.
Evan Williams, a fourth round draft pick in 2024, could be a future standout. Williams started six games last year, had one interception, forced a fumble and had one tackle for loss.
Javon Bullard, a second round draft pick last year, struggled at times, but showed the ability to play deep or in the slot. Zayne Anderson and Kitan Oladapo provide depth.
OVERALL NEED: 3.0
Gutekunst overhauled this position last offseason and the Packers should be in good shape for the foreseeable future. While the group is in good hands now, adding depth on Day 3 (Rounds 4-7) would make sense.
THEY SAID IT
Packers coach Matt LaFleur on Xavier McKinney: “He’s put the time in, he’s come in, this guy, he’s just got an incredible focus about him. Obviously he’s a very talented player, but I think when you really just observe how he approaches the game – whether it’s a meeting or a jog through or whatever it might be – he is so dialed in, and I think it’s reflective in his play. He goes out there and he makes plays. But I think a big part of that is just his approach to the game.”
Packers defensive backs coach Ryan Downard said of Evan Williams: “He can be as good as he wants to be. I think he has a weapon in his brain with how smart he is and how aware he is. That accelerates your ability to play early in this league because you can grasp the concepts and what we’re trying to get done.”
POSSIBLE PACKERS?
The Packers have far greater needs than safety, so they seem unlikely to take one in the first two days. They could add one to the group on Day 3, though (Rounds 4-7).
Here are five players the Packers could take in the later rounds.
• Lathan Ransom, Ohio State (6-0, 203) — Tough, hardnosed player who overcame broken leg and Lisfranc injury while at OSU. Box safety that needs work vs. the pass. Part of 11 turnover plays at OSU, and also finished with 227 tackles and 13 passes defensed. Could be a special teams standout. Projection: Round 4
• Jaylen Reed, Penn State (5-11 ½, 212) — Physical, productive player at PSU. Excellent tackler. Two-year starter who had five interceptions, 10.5 tackles for loss and one touchdown in last two seasons. Inconsistent in coverage. Projection: Round 4.
• Malachi Moore, Alabama (5-11, 198) — Tough, instinctive player who might have reached his ceiling. Solid collegiate career where he finished with 214 tackles, 16 TFLs, 25 passes defensed and 12 turnover plays. Short arms (29 5.8”). Fully recovered from hernia surgery in December. Projection: Round 4-5
• R.J., Mickens, Clemson (6-0, 199) — Nice blend of size and athleticism. Ran solid 4.49 40-yard dash at NFL Combine. Good tackler with strong ball skills, producing seven interceptions and 12 passes defensed since 2021. Inconsistent getting off blocks. Strength a concern, especially after he didn’t lift at the NFL Combine. Projection: Round 5.
• Hunter Wohler, Wisconsin, (6-2, 214) — Hustle player who can contribute on special teams immediately. Lacks burst and top-end speed (4.57). Can cover tight ends, but might lack range to play deep. Had 191 tackles and 12 passes broken up last two seasons with Wisconsin. Projection: Round 6.
Previous Stories
Part 1 — Quarterbacks
Part 2 — Wide Receivers
Part 3 — Running backs
Part 4 — Tight ends
Part 5 — Offensive line
Part 6 — Defensive ends
Part 7 — Defensive tackles
Part 8 — Linebackers
Part 9 — Cornerbacks
