Green Bay Packers Have A Top Ranked Secondary In 2024

Over the last few seasons, one of the weaknesses of the Green Bay Packers has been their secondary. More specifically, the safety position.

Darnell Savage Jr. had been unable to replicate the production and success he had early in his career. Finding a capable running mate for him at the position also proved difficult in recent seasons.

But, during the 2024 NFL offseason, the Green Bay Packers made a concerted effort to upgrade the back end of their defense. In free agency, the team signed New York Giants standout, Xavier McKinney.

In the 2024 NFL Draft, Brian Gutekunst added not one, not two but three safeties. Javon Bullard was selected in the second round, with Evan Williams going in Round 4 and Kitan Oladapo coming off the board in Round 5.

With Jaire Alexander still a top cornerback in the NFL when healthy, it should come as no surprise that John Kosko of PFF has the Green Bay Packers secondary ranked so highly heading into the 2024 season.

Kosko put them well inside the top 10, coming in at No. 8. While this unit hasn’t had a chance to showcase their talent on the field yet, Kosko is confident in the top-end talent of the group.

“Recent free-agency signing Xavier McKinney earned a 91.2 coverage grade in 2023, while Jaire Alexander has proven to be a difference-maker when he’s fully healthy. The Packers also added safety Javon Bullard in the 2024 draft to help transform the safety room. This ranking might be a bit high on paper, but the talent of the top three should be able to elevate the group,” Kosko wrote.

The Green Bay Packers like the combination of players they have in the secondary. However, experienced depth remains a concern at both spots at the backend of the defense.

Carrington Valentine, Corey Ballentine and 2024 seventh-round pick Kalen King make up the depth behind Alexander, Eric Stokes and Kiesean Nixon at corner. At safety, 2023 seventh-rounder Anthony Johnson is the only holdover from last season.

New Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will not be hurting for talent in his secondary. This group is already highly ranked, but if Stokes remains healthy and regains the form he showed as a rookie, and the youngsters gel early on, they will rise even more.

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