The Green Bay Packers are going to have an entirely new look on defense this season. After three disappointing and frustrating years with Joe Barry as defensive coordinator, Matt LaFleur made the decision to fire him. Barry has since been hired as the linebackers coach for the Miami Dolphins (where he will face Aaron Rodgers twice a year).
In his place, LaFleur and the Packers hired former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley. Prior to working at Boston College, Hafley was the assistant defensive coordinator at Ohio State, a position he attained after stints as a defensive backs coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers.
Green Bay Packers Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley Is Changing the Scheme of the Defense
Ever since Dom Capers became the Packers’ defensive coordinator back in 2009, the Packers have deployed a 3-4 defensive scheme with three defensive linemen and four linebackers/edge rushers playing behind them. Hafley, however, is bringing back a 4-3 scheme.
This means that edge rushers like Preston Smith and Rashan Gary will now be playing closer to the line of scrimmage with more regularity. It also means that Quay Walker, who was playing as one of two inside linebackers in Barry’s system, will now be able to play outside linebacker where he will be more effective.
With Isaiah McDuffie (who played for Hafley at Boston College) potentially starting as the inside linebacker, Walker will play on one side of the field while second round pick Edgerrin Cooper plays on the other.
Cooper, who recently signed his rookie contract, was the first off ball linebacker taken in the 2024 NFL Draft and is projected to be an instant contributor in a big way.
NFL Analyst Has a Big Prediction for Green Bay Packers Linebackers Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper
In a recent article in which he listed the most dangerous addition on each NFL team, analyst Ryan Fowler had a bold prediction for Cooper and Walker this season:
“Edgerrin Cooper and Quay Walker of the Green Bay Packers have the chance to evolve into one of the NFL’s most feared linebacker tandems.
“Cooper was the first off-ball linebacker taken in this year’s draft. His length, eyes and coverage ability should help him immediately contribute to Green Bay’s defense.
“To see what Cooper could offer the Packers, check out his tape against Alabama, especially his chase-down of potential 2024 Heisman candidate Jalen Milroe as a quarterback spy.”
For those curious, here is the film referenced:
Hafley has promised a more aggressive defense that is going to focus on disrupting plays in the backfield. If Walker and Cooper are as dominant as coaches and analysts think they will be, it will be a great season for Green Bay.
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