The Green Bay Packers made a great many changes to their defense this offseason. Embattled defensive coordinator Joe Barry was fired and replaced by Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley. Additionally, the Packers allowed their entire safety room from 2023 to walk in free agency. Darnell Savage, a former first-round pick, is now playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jonathan Owens signed with the Chicago Bears. Rudy Ford remains a free agent.
To replace these players, Green Bay went out and signed Xavier McKinney, who was considered to be the best free agent safety on the market. They also used three picks in the 2024 NFL Draft to take three new safeties: Javon Bullard, Evan Smith, and Kitan Oladapo.
Of these additions, it is widely believed that the Packers’ starting safety duo will be McKinney and Bullard, who was taken in the second round.
Green Bay Packers Rookie Safety Javon Bullard Is Not Comfortable, but for Good Reason
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The Packers reported for training camp on Monday, as fans are well aware. But while the main storyline was the Jordan Love hold-in, other players were made available to speak to the media.
One of these players was rookie safety Javon Bullard, who was asked if he felt comfortable yet in Hafley’s new defense. His response (via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic) will fire up Packers fans:
“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.”
As mentioned, many believe that Bullard will be the team’s second starting safety next to McKinney. Despite the hype, Bullard does not believe he has the job yet, and he very well may be right. The Packers have open competition at many positions, especially on defense.
The Green Bay Packers Have a Great Rookie in Javon Bullard
Bullard played three seasons for the Georgia Bulldogs, as did teammates Quay Walker, Devonte Wyatt, and Eric Stokes. Like his current Packers teammates, he was one of the best players on the best defense in the nation.
For his career, Bullard tallied four interceptions and eight passes defended. He also had 3.5 sacks, all in his sophomore season of 2022.
What Bullard does bring to Green Bay, though, is a strong understanding of the game and how he can best affect the team on defense. A quick learner and hard worker, he will endear himself to Packers fans quickly.
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