The Impact of Green Bay Packers New Safety Evan Williams (2024)

Xavier McKinney offers tried and true veteran leadership to anchor Jeff Hafley’s new scheme.

Furthermore, the Packers also picked up one of my draft crushes in Javon Bullard who I think is going to be a very versatile addition to the room. He was even lining up in the nickel during the most recent round of OTAs. Though this is not surprising as he spent a lot of time playing the slot in 2022.

Check out this clip courtesy of Basaraski Productions.

Check the full video here: Everything that Happened in Today’s Packers FINAL OTA Practice!

All that being said there’s one player I think most folks should pay closer attention to in the safety room, and that player is Evan Williams.

Opportunities Abound For Green Bay Packers Secondary

Undoubtedly there will be some tough choices while crafting Jeff Hafley’s new defense. I asked Aaron Nagler of Cheesehead TV if he had any thoughts on the rookie ahead of training camp.

Check out the full video here: #PackersDaily: What’s Stenavich got cookin’?

There will absolutely not be any shortage of opportunities for Williams to win a starting role in 2024. The Packers sure seem to have thought highly enough of him, given that they traded up 15 spots in the 4th round of the 2024 NFL Draft to lock him down.

However, I get why folks have looked beyond him given the talent that’s been brought into the mix.

Turns out, adapting and learning to show out with a new defensive scheme is something Evan Williams knows all too well. During his college career, Williams played under 4 different defensive coordinators.

From Fresno to Oregon To Green Bay

Williams played for 4 years at Fresno State. While he could have entered the draft after the 2022 season, a knee injury and a desire to lay down more tape led him to playing one more year transferring to Oregon.

Here’s a snapshat of his college career stats via Sports-Reference.com.

Williams was a three-time All-Mountain West selection at Fresno State. Last year he earned a second-team All-Pac 12 pick playing with the Oregon Ducks. He was invited to the Senior Bowland was named the top safety for the National team.

Here’s a great article from Bill Huber including a conversation with Oregon co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Chris Hampton. Hampton gave rave reviews about Oregon’s leading tackler in the secondary from last season:

College Coach on Packers S Evan Williams: ‘Favorite Player I’ve Ever Coached’

Williams is a ball hawk that’s able to play up in the slot and disrupt the line. In addition, he has a great ability to blitz and has only improved with tackling.

Here’s some highlights from the 2023 campaign.

Physical Football

I have been over the moon watching as the Green Bay Packers transition to a new defensive look in 2024. Firstly, they have comepletely overhauled the talent and the coaching. Secondly, look at the other players they brought in like Edgerrin Cooper, Marshawn Lloyd, and on and on. Clearly, aggressive, physical ball is the brand that Jeff Hafley will be pushing this season. These rookies are explosive and should be able to bully offenses. Jaire even said during his post OTA interview that Jeff preaches aggression and physicality.

While many Packer faithful (myself included) can’t wait to see Javon Bullard out on the field, WIlliams is just as capable and may end up flying under the radar for some folks.

Grateful For The Opportunity And The Hospitality

Williams also had this to say recently to Packers.com editor Mike Spofford about the opportunities he and his fellow safety rookies have in front of them.

“All coming in at the same time, it’s a pretty unique opportunity,” Williams said. “We’re all fresh bodies here, we’re all just learning for the first time and it’s who can pick it up fastest and who can implement themselves and just show what they’ve got.

“It’s honestly a healthy source of competition, making all of us better. You see a guy doing extra in your room, it’s naturally going to make you want to do a little extra. I’m all for it and definitely looking forward to what we can get out of each other.”

Williams is a smart, fast, and explosive addition to a room that has as many eyes on it as there are questions about it. While the competition is tough, Williams is up to the challenge.

Ultimately, we’ll see who lands where during training camp.

Lastly, I’ll leave this with an interview Evan gave after the final Green Bay Packers OTAs.