Packers safety overhaul proved successful last year

Mike Spofford

"Pre-draft picture" is a position-by-position look at the Packers' roster heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. The series continues with the defensive backs.

GREEN BAY Last year, the safety position underwent a complete overhaul. This year, cornerback is the spot needing attention in the draft, but how soon and how much remains to be seen.

The Packers lost three reserve cornerbacks to free agency in Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine and Robert Rochell, while adding only one NFL veteran to this mix in the versatileNate Hobbs.

That numbers equation alone dictates the Packers will be looking to add corners in this draft. But whether that's on the first day or later on could hinge on what happens withJaire Alexander, whose future in Green Bay is uncertain.

General Manager Brian Gutekunst has indicated the oft-injured, high-priced Alexander very well may be back in Green Bay for another season. But he hasn't guaranteed it, while indicating the Packers also aren't interested in letting him go for nothing.

If he's released or traded, the top of the cornerback depth chart would feature veteranKeisean Nixon(5-10, 200), whosegame expanded last yearfrom the slot to the boundary and No. 1 target assignments, plus Hobbs and third-year proCarrington Valentine(6-0, 189).

Hobbs (6-0, 195) played a lot of slot/nickel corner with the Raiders, but the Packers see him as capable of lining up inside or outside. Injuries last year, along with Nixon's emergence, limited Valentine's playing time somewhat compared to his rookie year, but he still started seven games and recorded his first two NFL interceptions.

A healthy Alexander as part of that top group would give the Packers a more well-rounded, experienced collection to count on in 2025. Without him, next up would be 2024 seventh-round draft pickKalen King(5-11, 190), who spent the bulk of his rookie season on the practice squad.

The Packers also have developmental prospectsIsaiah Dunn(6-0, 189),Kamal Hadden(6-1, 192) andKaleb Hayes(6-0, 194) on the current roster, with Dunn having played in a total of 17 games with the Jets and Seahawks during the 2021-22 seasons.

In short, the need for depth, reinforcements and future considerations at corner is significant, and only more so if Alexander is not with the Packers in 2025.

Meanwhile at safety, the Packers possess their most robust depth chart in recent memory.

Last year's big free agent addition,Xavier McKinney(6-0, 201), more than lived up to the billing by putting together a first-team All-Pro season, intercepting eight passes, and smoothly taking over as a defensive and overall locker room leader.

Rookie draft picksEvan WilliamsandJavon Bullardalso more than got their feet wet in 2024, despite injuries to both. Bullard (5-10, 198) moved around, playing deep safety as well as the slot,proving he can handle a lot thrown at him. Williams (5-11, 200)used his smarts and instinctsto become the preferred back-end partner to McKinney when healthy.

A third draft pick from last spring,Kitan Oladapo(6-2, 216), effectively took a redshirt for half his rookie season due to pre-draft toe surgery, but he got ataste of a full defensive workloadin the regular-season finale, which he can build upon moving forward.

Beyond that, veteran special-teamerZayne Anderson(6-2, 206) proved capable when injuries struck as a spot starter last season, before being hit by injuries himself, and undrafted prospectOmar Brown(6-1, 205) was signed in January.

So the early returns on the makeover at safety are promising and have shifted the secondary's needs to cornerback, though the Packers are by no means starting over there.

Pre-Draft Roster Series:

QB:Jordan Love looks to move forward after challenging 2024 season

RB:Josh Jacobs' addition was game-changer for Packers

WR/TE:Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave charge into Year 3

OL:Packers believe competition will bring out best in offensive line

DL:Lots to consider with Packers defensive line

LB:Packers like how linebacker position is shaping up