Green Bay Packers fans have been swooning over new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley after his first press conference. His first impression a good one (to say the least) and fans are certainly excited.
One of the most important positions (in Hafley’s opinion) was also talked about in length during the press conference. As it turns out, it sounded a lot like one free agent who the Packers have been linked to many times.
The Green Bay Packers Could Be On Their Way To Signing Elite Free Agent After Jeff Hafley’s Comments
Per Lily Zhao of Fox Sports 6:
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.
Zach Kruse of The Packers Wire made an immediate comparison:
Jeff Hafley just described his perfect “post safety” and it sounded a lot like Xavier McKinney
The ESPN staff writer Matt Bowen already had an intriguing option for Green Bay. Green Bay is a perfect fit for New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney, according to his article on the perfect landing spots for free agents:
“This might be a stretch given the Packers’ history in free agency, but McKinney can play both safety spots, with the ability to cover down and create range in the post.
He had three interceptions last season with the Giants, and I see him as a good fit for a Packers defense that will change its coverage and pressure tendencies under defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.”
When targeted, Mckinney allowed a 53.0 passer rating and 8.7 yards per reception this past season. According to PFF, McKinney has made 94 solo tackles, forced a fumble, and intercepted three passes in 2023.
The McKinney is an extremely versatile secondary piece. There were 464 snaps he played as a free safety, 388 snaps in the box, 167 snaps in the slot, 82 close to the line of scrimmage, and 27 snaps as an outside corner last season.
Given Hafley’s press conference and the already existing need at safety, I would be surprised if Mckinney wasn’t one of the players the Packers have their eye on this off-season.
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