The Green Bay Packers have been going through a bit of a long-winded transition for about two years now. One could say it all began when they traded All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders before the 2022 NFL Draft and decided to replace him with three rookie receivers from that class. Last offseason, of course, the Packers decided to trade Aaron Rodgers in favor of Jordan Love. They also allowed many veterans to leave in free agency and replaced them with rookies from the 2023 NFL Draft.
This offseason, the Packers made the long-awaited decision to fire defensive coordinator Joe Barry. In his place, Matt LaFleur chose former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley, who is going to switch Green Bay’s defensive scheme from a 3-4 to a 4-3.
Green Bay Packers Players Love New Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley
As happy as Packers fans are to have a new defensive coordinator, the players themselves are just as happy with the new scheme. Ever since Hafley arrived in Green Bay, players have raved about his scheme and how excited they are to play for him.
In late May, Kenny Clark was quoted as saying, “Now this is giving us a chance to shut all that other stuff off … just use your ability, go up the field and be disruptive. I just think with my get-off and how I am, I think it’s going to suit me well.”
Clark was talking about himself and the rest of the defensive players being able to just rush and not having to think as much as Barry’s scheme called for them to do.
A couple of weeks ago, at the end of mandatory minicamp, Rashan Gary said:
“You can tell the energy around the building from top to bottom is great, especially on defense. Kind of having a whole new coaching staff, a whole new life. We’re loving it on defense.
“Attack, attack, attack. Aggressive, and I’m loving it. I’m loving it. Really just pin your ears back, relax and play.”
Indeed, Green Bay has a ton of talent on defense, and it sounds like those players will finally be utilized in a way that will put them in the best position to succeed.
That being said, there are still some questions regarding a couple of positions on that side of the ball.
The Green Bay Packers Should Sign Linebacker Kwon Alexander According to Bleacher Report
One of the positions that is still a question mark for the Packers is linebacker. Quay Walker is entering his third season but does have some weaknesses in his game. Edgerrin Cooper was taken in the second round of this year’s draft, but obviously has no NFL experience.
With the uncertainty surrounding the position going into training camp, Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report suggests that former Pro Bowl linebacker Kwon Alexander would be a great fit for Green Bay:
“Quay Walker and rookie Edgerrin Cooper should be the primary players in nickel packages. Isaiah McDuffie has been around long enough he’s going to be a factor, but there’s room for more competition in the linebacker room.
“Kwon Alexander should be a consideration. Unlike some of the other linebackers still on the market he hasn’t hit 30 years old yet. The 29-year-old has played for five teams in nine seasons which could be seen as a negative, but it also means that he has 88 career starts in different systems with respectable production.
“The Packers have shown a preference for athletic ‘backers who can hold their own in coverage with the selections of Walker and Cooper in recent years. Alexander might have lost a step, but he can still be a serviceable coverage player.
“Last season he played nine games with the Steelers and allowed a passer rating 76.3. He hasn’t given up a passer rating higher than 100 since 2018.
“Alexander would give the Packers some injury insurance and allow the younger options to come along at their own pace.”
Alexander was previously a Pro Bowl selection in 2017 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That year, he had 97 tackles, three interceptions, and a forced fumble. He was, perhaps, better in 2016 when he led the NFL with 108 solo tackles.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
