Green Bay’s goal: Improving the secondary defense

The Green Bay Packers are gearing up for the 2024 NFL Draft with their main focus on fixing their struggling secondary. Over the years, the team has struggled to find the right pieces to strengthen its defensive position. With five of their 11 first-round draft picks since 2014 being used on defensive backs, the Packers are still looking for consistency. Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander has been a bright spot, but other players like Darnell Savage and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix have had up-and-down careers in Green Bay.

General manager Brian Gutekunst emphasized the need to strengthen the secondary, especially the safety position, where the team looks to rebuild. The recent signing of safety Xavier McKinney from the New York Giants to a lucrative deal shows the team’s dedication to improving the defensive backfield. McKinney had an impressive performance in 2023 and was ranked as the No. 4 safety in the league by Pro Football Focus.

Looking ahead to the draft, the Packers are expected to target a safety to pair with McKinney and a starting cornerback to complement Alexander. Players like Iowa’s Cooper DeJean and Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry are potential options at cornerback. DeJean is known for his versatility and playmaking ability, while McKinstry has solid coverage skills despite concerns about his speed. Clemson’s Nate Wiggins is another cornerback who could be on Green Bay’s radar in the late first round.

As for safety options, Minnesota’s Tyler Nubin and USC’s Calen Bullock could be targets for the Packers in the second round. Gutekunst expressed confidence in the existing talent in the secondary education sector, with Alexander and McKinney leading the way. However, injuries are a concern, especially for players like Eric Stokes, who missed significant time last season. Adding another high-level piece to the draft could be the missing puzzle for the Packers’ secondary.

As the draft approaches, the Packers are evaluating a range of cornerback and safety prospects to meet their needs in the secondary. With the talent available in this year’s draft class, Green Bay has the opportunity to add a key piece to their defensive backfield. By selecting the right players early in the draft, the Packers were finally able to achieve the stability and consistency they have been striving for for years in their secondary. With the right additions, Green Bay could have a formidable defense heading into the 2024 season.