Paul Bretl
April 17, 2024 12:05 pm CT
Even with the addition of Xavier McKinney this offseason, safety still remains one of the Packers’ biggest priorities heading into the NFL Draft.
For one, the Packers need to bring in competition for Anthony Johnson Jr., who would be McKinney’s running mate, given how the roster is currently constructed. But on top of that, the Packers need bodies at the position as well, with only four players currently under contract.
As GM Brian Gutekunst goes about rounding out this position, he has made it clear that there will be an emphasis on versatility. At the NFL Combine, Gutekunst said that he wanted the two safety spots and the nickel corner to be “interchangeable.”
So even though McKinney can provide the most value playing deep, and in all likelihood, that is where he will play the most, the Packers want the flexibility to be able to move him around, depending on the opponent and the game plan. In order to do so, the Packers need a versatile defender next to him.
With 11 draft picks and at two-to-three roster spots to fill at the safety position, the Packers are likely going to select at least two safeties in this class. Unfortunately, at least by PFF’s rankings, this is one of the weaker position groups in this year’s class, and that pool gets even smaller when taking into account the usual size and athletic thresholds the Packers often stick to.
But nonetheless, with safety being a pressing need, the Packers have no choice but to add to this room. Here is a breakdown of seven prospects in this year’s class to know.
Jadon Hicks, Washington State
Nov 5, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; Washington State Cougars defensive back Jaden Hicks (25) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal during the second quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamash*ta-USA TODAY Sports
Height: 6-2
Weight: 211
RAS: 8.95
Consensus board rank: 72
Breakdown: Hicks would be a good complement to Xavier McKinney. The post-safety role is likely where McKinney will see the bulk of his snaps, allowing Hicks to play closer to the line of scrimmage, where he’s been a willing run defender. Hicks also has experience playing free safety and the range to patrol the middle of the field if that’s what he’s asked to do.
Cole Bishop, Utah
Oct 14, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes safety Cole Bishop (8) looks on against the California Golden Bears in the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Height: 6-2
Weight: 206
RAS: 9.86
Consensus board rank: 74
Breakdown: In terms of size, athleticism, and versatility, Bishop and Hicks are the two of the best fits for this Packers’ defense. Gutekunst wants that interchangeability in the secondary to keep offenses guessing, and Bishop provides that with the ability to play at three levels. The majority of his snaps came in the box in 2023, also making him a good running mate for McKinney.
Javon Bullard, Georgia
Georgia defensive back Javon Bullard (22) celebrates after piking off a pass from Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) during the first half of a NCAA college football game against Ole Miss in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023.
Height: 5-10
Weight: 198
RAS: 8.24
Consensus board rank: 54
Breakdown: Where Bullard differs from the first two players on this list is with his experience in the slot, where he played 726 career snaps, including 510 in 2022. Bullard would be a very good chess piece for Jeff Hafley, with his ability to line up in the nickel and handle deep safety responsibiliities. Bullard has been a sound tackler and allowed a completion rate of just 8.9 yards per attempt with two interceptions and five pass breakups from the slot in 2022.
Dominique Hampton, Washington
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) remains on the ground at the Washington Huskies defense, including cornerback Dominique Hampton (7) celebrate stopping a play in the second quarter of the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff semi-finals at the Ceasars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jan. 1, 2024. The Texas Longhorns take on the Washington Huskies for a spot in the College Football Playoff Finals.
Height: 6-2
Weight: 215
RAS: 9.74
Consensus board rank: 197
Breakdown: Hampton would be a Day 3 selection and a developmental prospect for the Packers. Refinement is needed, but he brings athleticism, size, and versatility to the position, playing all over the Washington secondary, all of which contribute to the upside potential that the Packers would hope to unlock. Hampton has been a willing run defender and totaled two interceptions and 11 pass breakups in the last two seasons. He’s also played 557 special teams snaps.
Tyler Owens, Texas Tech
Texas Tech’s Tyler Owens attends football practice, Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, at the Sports Performance Center.
Height: 6-2
Weight: 216
RAS: N/A
PFF rank: 280
Breakdown: Owens is a relatively inexperienced player with fewer than 1,000 career snaps, but his size and athleticism could be worth Gutekunst taking a swing on during Day 3 of the draft. Owens has spent most of his snaps at free safety and allowed a completion rate of just 57 percent in 2023 at 11.8 yards per catch. He would force only two pass breakups. Early on and has he develops, Owens could be a core special teams player with 546 career snaps.
Trey Taylor, Air Force
Nov 18, 2023; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; Air Force Falcons safety Trey Taylor (7) intercepts a pass intended for UNLV Rebels running back Donavyn Lester (4) in the first quarter at Falcon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Height: 6-0
Weight: 213
RAS: 9.33
PFF rank: 251
Breakdown: Taylor has seen most of his playing time come closer to the line of scrimmage, either in the box or in the slot. He’s shown good instincts as a run defender and has consistently been one of PFF’s higher-graded safeties in that regard. Taylor improved in coverage each season but wasn’t challenged all that often, and this is an area of his game that will need continued development. Taylor could be another instant special teams contributor as well.
Malik Mustapha, Wake Forest
Oct 14, 2023; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive back Malik Mustapha (3) celebrates after Virginia Tech Hokies missed a field goal during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Height: 5-10
Weight: 209
RAS: 9.38
PFF rank: 142
Breakdown: Mustapha was at used all over the Wake Forest secondary, but was at his best playing closer to the line of scrimmage where his run defense and tackling abilities would be on display. In 2023, Mustapha ranked seventh in run defense grade and 15th in run-stops. When McKinney is the deep safety, Mustapha is a good running mate for him in that strong safety role or on run-heavy downs, but as of now, he is not someone who would see much playing time on passing downs. Mustapha has almost 300 special teams snaps over the last three seasons.
