The Green Bay Packers have bolstered their safety room with the addition of Oregon safety Evan Williams in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Williams, who previously played at Fresno State before transferring to Oregon, brings a physical presence to the Packers’ defense with his linebacker mentality. Despite his strong tackling ability and impressive combine numbers, Williams will need to work on his coverage skills and speed to excel in the NFL.
This latest acquisition comes after the Packers selected Georgia safety Javon Bullard in the second round on Friday. Safety was a problematic position for the Packers in 2023, but with the signings of free agent Xavier McKinney along with the additions of Bullard and Williams, Green Bay is looking to address this weakness head-on. The team traded their original fourth-round pick and a sixth-rounder to the New York Jets in order to move up in the fourth round to select Williams.
At 6-1 and 205 pounds, Williams is more suited to play as a box safety rather than a centerfielder. His impressive combine numbers, including a 40.5-inch vertical jump, showcase his athleticism and explosiveness. However, there are concerns about his ability to cover space and lack of speed to recover. With the addition of Williams, the Packers have now selected two linebackers, two safeties, one offensive lineman and a running back with their first six picks in the draft.
Green Bay’s commitment to addressing their needs on defense is evident with the selection of Williams. The team is looking to strengthen their safety position and provide support for their defense, which was a weak spot in the previous season. Williams’ physical style of play and strong tackling ability could provide the Packers with a boost in the secondary as they look to solidify their defense for the upcoming season.
As Williams joins the Packers’ defense, he will have the opportunity to learn from experienced players like McKinney and Bullard. With his potential to make an impact as a box safety and contribute to the team’s defensive efforts, Williams will have to work on refining his coverage skills and improving his speed in order to excel at the NFL level. Green Bay’s focus on addressing their needs through the draft highlights their commitment to building a competitive team for the upcoming season.
Overall, the addition of Williams to the Packers’ safety room adds depth and competition to the position. With a strong focus on improving their defense through the draft, Green Bay is looking to shore up their weaknesses and build a more competitive team for the upcoming season. Williams’ physical style and tackling ability bring a new dimension to the Packers’ defense, and his development in coverage and speed could make him a key player for the team in the future.
