Defense is what the Green Bay Packers should zoom in the most in the new season especially now that they are past the honeymoon stage with new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. One player in the microscope is sophomore Javon Bullard.
Reporters and other spectators saw how Bullard got beaten one one one by offensive players. Some thought it is a problem but for head coach Matt LaFleur, what they saw was the potential of the 22-year-old safety.
“I think he’s had an outstanding camp,” LaFleur said on Wednesday.
“I know you guys probably look at a one-on-one rep, and he gets beat, or whatever. That’s not what we’re looking at. I think he’s done an outstanding job just in terms of his ability to play within the box, knowing what’s going on.”
LaFleur also commented on the expanded role Bullard is having since in the middle of last season and how the player is handling it.
“He’s doing double duty at nickel and safety. He’s a really good young player who’s going to continue to get better and better the more he plays.”
Javon Bullard can unlock team’s defense
Bullard’s flexibility is what makes GM Brian Gutekunst invest on him. He was drafted as a safety but he also works as a cornerback.
Last season, he played most of the time on the slot, opening up chance for Keisean Nixon and Nate Hobbs to play outside corners.
His versatility also comes in handy as a contingency plan if ever main safeties Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams miss time.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
The coaching staff first talked about Bullard’s expanded role in October last year.
“We’ve got to get him around the ball more,” defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said.
“You want to talk about what I can do better – I can put him closer to the football in certain ways because he’s really good when he’s close to the football and we need to get him more involved.”
New season incoming and an offseason on the books, is Bullard getting more comfortable? The player suggests that he is going to work like someone is threatening his job.
“I ain’t gonna lie, I don’t even like the word ‘comfortable.’ No disrespect, but I don’t really like that word, especially in this profession because the second you get comfortable, somebody’s got your job. And I don’t even have a job yet,” he said two weeks ago.
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