Green Bay Packers Urged To Add 2-Time All-Pro Defender

The Green Bay Packers made a massive change with their defense this offseason when they moved on from coordinator Joe Barry and hired Boston College head coach Joe Hafley. Hafley’s background defensively is in the secondary, where the team also made a splash in free agency.

The Packers signed Xavier McKinney away from the New York Giants, making him one of the highest-paid safeties in the NFL. It was a deal that McKinney, who is still only 26 years old, earned with his stellar performance on the field.

McKinney’s versatility is a great fit for the scheme that Hafley will be running as he is as stellar against the run as he is in pass coverage. An argument can be made that he is the best pass coverage safety in the league.

But, there remain some question marks around McKinney in the secondary. The other safety spot will likely go to rookie second-round pick Javon Bullard, who fits well into Hafley’s scheme.

Beyond Bullard, two more rookies, Evan Williams and Kitan Oladapo, will be competing for snaps. 2023 seventh-round pick Anthony Johnson is also in the mix, as this group is lacking experience in a roster that is among the youngest in the NFL.

It wouldn’t hurt the Green Bay Packers to bring in a veteran. Someone who could step into the lineup if need be while also being a mentor for the younger guys to learn from throughout the season.

Bleacher Report NFL Scouting Department believes the perfect player for that job is Micah Hyde. They have urged the team to make a move, bringing back a familiar face to help bolster the secondary.

“Outside of Xavier McKinney, the Packers are pretty young at safety, and rookie fifth-round pick Kitan Oladapo is just starting to get back to full speed after having surgery ahead of the draft.

So, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring in a veteran insurance policy and reunite with Hyde, who began his career with the club from 2013 to 2016. It also helps that the 11-year veteran has plenty of experience playing in the box and as at free safety,” as written by Bleacher Report.

Hyde became a reliable player over the last seven seasons with the Buffalo Bills. He is capable of filling the gaps in the defense, whether the team needs him to play run support or drop into coverage.

Turning 34 in December, relying on Hyde as a full-time contributor would be risky. But, given the youth on the Green Bay Packers, you would hope a player emerges eventually and Hyde would be a situational player for the team.

Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here.

Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.