The Green Bay preseason setback against the Jets came with notable injury news on the Packers' special teams. Zayne Anderson and Corey Ballentine left Saturday's game with injuries that could test Rich Bisaccia's depth early this season. Anderson, who logged heavy special-teams work last year, left with a knee issue, while Ballentine was shaken up late and appeared to be dealing with a head-related concern.

With Xavier McKinney sidelined for New York, Anderson was the starting safety in the Packers’ nickel package alongside Evan Williams, highlighting how thin the depth chart could become if these injuries linger. Ballentine’s return to the lineup after a recent Colts release adds to the evaluation of Packers corner and kick-coverage units. The injuries leather into thoughtful early-season planning for Bisaccia and the defense, especially in the weeks ahead of the regular-season opener.

Evan Williams' rookie season with the Green Bay Packers has impressed fans and analysts alike, showcasing his potential as a standout safety. Drafted in the fourth round, he quickly became a starting player, showcasing remarkable skills in coverage. Notably, Williams excelled in reducing receptions, with an impressive 57.7% reception percentage allowed, ranking him in the top 10 among NFL safeties.

His ability to read the game translated into a solid forced incompletion rate, contributing to three pass breakups and a crucial interception. His metrics reflect a robust understanding of defensive schemes, positioning him in the 69th percentile for forced incompletions, alongside high marks in NFL passer rating and yards allowed per coverage snap. Overall, Williams demonstrated that he can hold his own against elite competition, pointing towards a promising future for both him and the Packers.

Javon Bullard is making a name for himself as a rookie defensive back for the Green Bay Packers. As a second-round pick, he has shown potential that rivals his peers, particularly Evan Williams, who was taken in the fourth round. Bullard's versatility and adaptability in various roles within the defense have drawn attention, allowing him to make key plays that contribute to the Packers’ defensive strategies. His performance hints at a promising future as he continues to develop alongside other talented players in the secondary.

In a league where rookie performances can often dictate longevity and success, Bullard’s ability to learn quickly and implement feedback has stood out. Coaches and analysts are taking note, speculating that if he keeps up this trajectory, he could become a cornerstone of the Packers' defense for years to come.

The Green Bay Packers' defense faced challenges during the 2024 season as several players saw their performance decline in the latter half. Among them, safety Evan Williams started strong but struggled due to injuries, averaging just 58.3 PFF grade in his last seven games after beginning with an impressive 71.9. Similarly, Xavier McKinney's performance dipped, yet he remained one of the top defenders despite being targeted more often late in the season. Another player, Kingsley Enagbare, also experienced a drop in his PFF grade, reflecting a common trend of young players adjusting to longer seasons.

The Green Bay Packers head into the 2025 NFL draft armed with eight picks and a roster poised for growth after a challenging 2024 season. General Manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur are focused on establishing the Packers as a serious NFC contender, but they must continue to enhance their roster, particularly with emerging talent. The team's safety position is notably robust after significant investments last offseason, with Xavier McKinney leading the charge as an All-Pro. With youth and depth at this position, the Packers face minimal short- and long-term needs, making it less likely they will use an early draft pick on a safety. However, they could seek to bolster competition and long-term prospects during the draft.