A large part of the Green Bay Packers’ off-season will be spent focusing on their defensive side. As the team’s defensive coaching staff is completely revamped, they will be looking for “their guys” to join the team. In fact, they have already begun the process. A Safety with significant experience has already caught the eye of the team.
The Green Bay Packers Meet With Starting Safety Ahead Of The 2024 Season
According to reporter MJ Hurley:
The Packers have met with Oregon S Evan Williams
Lily Zhao of Fox Sports 6 highlighted what new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley had to say about the Safety position during his introductory press conference:
What does Jeff Hafley want in a post safety?
“I want a guy who can erase things.”
Wants his player to eliminate explosive plays, get guys down, go “sideline to sideline and take the ball away”, communicate and play man.
What Would Evan Williams Bring To The Packers?
A player who might fit that profile is Oregon safety Evan Williams. Williams spent his last season as a member of the Oregon Ducks after transferring from Fresno State.
In addition to 308 total tackles, Williams also had 16 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, five and a half sacks, 14 passes defended, and four interceptions during his career. His 2023 honors included Second-Team All-Pac 12.
He recorded 82 tackles and four and a half sacks in his only season with the Ducks. In spite of this, he was not invited to either the Senior Bowl or Shrine Bowl. For his draft stock to improve, he will likely need to perform well during his Pro Day.
Mock drafts have Williams going anywhere from the 5th to the 7th round. A likely spot for the Packers to take a flyer on a guy who could be a diamond in the rough at a position of need.
Williams Draft Profile
The NFL Draft Network published Evan Williams’ Draft Profile:
Evan Williams is an experienced defender, starting for all five seasons he played in college. Williams played his first four seasons at Fresno State, where he was one of the best players on his team and in his conference.
He was the heart and soul of the Bulldogs’ defense and earned multiple All-Conference honors. After his senior season at Fresno, Williams transferred to Oregon where he would play his final year of college.
Williams is a versatile player, as he has experience at nickel and both safety spots. Williams is an undersized player who lacks top NFL strength, speed, and length. Williams is a very instinctual football player who has a nose for the football.
In the run game, Williams is quick to diagnose runs and triggers downhill with urgency. He plays with outstanding energy and temperament and will chase plays from the backside or from down the field. He is an extremely tough and physical player who will never shy away from contact.
With that said, Williams misses a ton of tackles as he fails to break down before engaging the ball carrier and lacks the strength to bring down bigger backs one-on-one. He takes inconsistent angles at times and his aggression will lead to over-running in pursuit which leaves open cut-back lanes.
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