During the offseason, the Packers significantly revamped their safety position by securing Xavier McKinney from the New York Giants and drafting two players: Javon Bullard in the second round and Evan Williams in the fourth. Their considerable impact has been instrumental in propelling the Packers (4-2) to a league-leading 17 takeaways as they prepare for a face-off against the Houston Texans (5-1), the leaders of the AFC South, this Sunday.
McKinney has quickly made his presence felt with the Packers, recording an interception in each of the first five games of the season. The two rookies have also begun to showcase their talents, something McKinney recognized early on. “From the start that they got here, they were making plays—whether that was punchouts, interceptions, or big hits,” McKinney noted. “I knew we had something special in training camp when I saw that.”
Indeed, the excitement surrounding their contributions is palpable among fans and analysts alike. Pro Football Focus recently ranked Williams and McKinney as the two highest-graded safeties in the league, while Bullard’s adaptability—he can operate as a safety or a nickel back—allows all three to be on the field simultaneously.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley praised the versatility that the young players bring to the team, stating, “We’ve got some of these young guys who give us the versatility to move people around and get creative.” He emphasized the need for continuous development, noting that the team is still refining their scheme week by week.
So far, McKinney and Williams have combined for six interceptions, along with a forced fumble and a recovery. In stark contrast, the three main safeties from last year—Darnell Savage, Jonathan Owens, and Rudy Ford—managed a mere two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble throughout the entire regular season. It is noteworthy that Savage had a pick-six in the Packers’ playoff win at Dallas.
Savage now plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Owens is with the Chicago Bears, and Ford was released by the Carolina Panthers earlier in the season. The Packers opted to let these players depart while signing McKinney to a lucrative four-year, $68 million deal. Since joining the Packers, McKinney has already established himself as a vital player, leading the NFL with five interceptions.
His contributions are crucial as the Packers are on pace to nearly match their total of 18 takeaways from the entire 2023 season. “I want to be the best version of me and I want to be as great as I can be,” said McKinney. “Ultimately, I aim to become one of the best to ever do it.”
As Williams has gained more playing time, he is also beginning to showcase his ability to deliver critical plays. Williams had a successful college tenure at Fresno State before finishing at Oregon. In just his second professional game, he intercepted a Hail Mary attempt to secure a 16-10 victory against the Indianapolis Colts. He also forced a fumble against Arizona’s Greg Dortch, which was recovered by Jaire Alexander.
“We’re just being a little more ball conscious and getting more shots on the ball, and good things happen,” Williams stated after the Packers’ recent 34-13 win over the Cardinals.
While Bullard has yet to produce any turnovers, he has started every game this season and ranks third on the team with 34 total tackles as he adjusts to the fast-paced NFL atmosphere. Bullard acknowledged his need for patience in his game, stating, “I’ve got to be less anxious about things and I’ve got to be more patient.” He added that he’s absorbing all the wisdom his teammates provide.
McKinney has stepped up not only in his performance but in mentoring the rookies around him. Although he didn’t make it to a Pro Bowl during his four seasons with the Giants, his current form suggests he is on the verge of achieving that recognition this year. However, McKinney’s aspirations extend far beyond that.
“My goal has always been to get a gold jacket,” McKinney reflected. “That mission won’t change, and I know it’s going to take a lot of work to get there.” He is committed to putting in the effort to achieve his lofty objectives, eager to see where his dedication takes him.