The Green Bay Packers drafted Javon Bullard, a safety out of Georgia, with the 58th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Bullard was Green Bay’s second selection in the second round behind Edgerrin Cooper, a linebacker from Texas A&M.
In 2023, Bullard had 491 defensive snaps for Georgia: 322 as a free safety, 98 snaps in the slot corner position, 66 snaps in the box, four snaps as a wide corner, and one snap on the defensive line. Notably, 69.4% of his snaps in 2022 came from the slot corner position.
The Packers needed help at the safety and slot corner positions. Bullard’s versatility presents a compelling solution to address both requirements simultaneously. Green Bay’s approach to utilizing Bullard will hinge on its assessment of the current roster dynamics, considering recent additions like safeties Evan Williams and Kitan Oladapo and cornerback Kalen King through the draft.
Brian Gutekunst expressed a desire to pair a young safety with their best football ahead of them, which aligns perfectly with Bullard’s potential for growth and impact, particularly alongside McKinney. Additionally, Bullard’s presence at strong safety would allow Keisean Nixon to assume slot corner and nickel responsibilities.
With Bullard’s versatility, the Packers could seamlessly transition him to the slot role in their defensive scheme. Green Bay has several options for the strong safety position, including Evan Williams, Kitan Oladapo, or Anthony Johnson Jr.
Matt LaFleur acknowledged Eric Stokes‘ promising progress in his post-draft press conference. “Stokes looks great,” he said. However, LaFleur also noted the uncertainty surrounding the potential impact of Stokes’ past foot injury on his playing time next year. Should Stokes’ availability become uncertain, the Packers may need to adjust their cornerback lineup accordingly. In this scenario, Jaire Alexander and Carrington Valentine could line up outside, with Bullard stepping in to cover the slot.
I don’t anticipate the Packers using Bullard as a hybrid safety, given that Oladapo seems better suited for that role. Bullard may see the field less often when opponents employ heavy sets to run against Green Bay’s defense. However, I expect him to play a significant role in Jeff Hafley’s game plan during second- and third-and-long situations. For example, in 2023, Bullard allowed a passer rating of just 34.0 while in coverage. Additionally, he recorded 4 interceptions and 22 pass breakups in 22 starts.
Bullard played 510 snaps at the slot position in 2022 and achieved an 80.4 PFF grade playing as a nickel. In 2023, he played 362 times in deep coverage, with 144 at the slot position, and achieved a grade of 82.8. Moreover, he was the MVP of the National title game that season.
Before the draft, Gutekunst said he was seeking a safety capable of playing the post, inside, and nickel positions, all of which Bullard can fulfill. Bullard is expected to begin the season as the starting free safety, though he may rotate with Keisean Nixon in the slot. If Nixon struggles, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Bullard assume the full-time starting role in the slot, with players like Williams, Johnson Jr., or Oladapo stepping in at safety.
The Packers’ cornerback room appears to be well-defined for the 2024 season, with Jaire Alexander and Stokes slated as the starters and Carrington Valentine also expected to receive some playing time. However, Bullard’s role adds an intriguing dynamic. Jeff Hafley, renowned for his ability to develop defensive backs, brings a wealth of expertise to Green Bay. Notably, during his tenure at Ohio State, Hafley played a pivotal role in Jeff Okudah’s development, and he went on to become a third-overall pick.
Bullard finds himself in an excellent situation within Green Bay’s defensive back room. With top-tier talent like Jaire Alexander, who’s ranked among the league’s top cornerbacks, and a premier safety like Xavier McKinney, he joins a formidable secondary. His presence adds depth and versatility, offering immediate contributions to a Packers team poised to contend for a championship in 2024.
