Potential safety picks for Jeff Hafley’s Packers defense in the 2024 draft
At his Thursday press conference, Hafley stated, “I think it’s an important spot.” When something breaks down or the ball is thrown into the air, I believe the player in the middle of the field has to go get it. It’s a critical position in the defense, in my opinion.
The Packers intercepted just seven passes as a team the previous season, with the safety group accounting for three of those interceptions. That figure will go higher in Hafley’s first season at 1265 Lombardi Avenue as defensive coordinator, if he has his way.
Hafley declared, “I want a guy who can erase things.” When we play this defense, we have to remove explosive plays. For example, if a run comes up the middle, this person has to be able to bring a player down and come out of middle field with his hair on fire. In addition, I want him to be a person who clears the pile after a ball carrier has been wrapped up. I’m looking for a man who can steal the ball and move from sideline to sideline.
I believe a player with high ball production—that is, someone who can intercept the ball—must play that position. I suppose I’m painting you a picture of the ideal player, but those are some of the qualities I’d seek in a player for that position. He also needs to be able to communicate, get men lined up, and make some calls back there. I’d also love to see a guy who can play man.
From what Hafley extracts from his safeties, there’s a lot to process. Let’s examine a few defensive backs that meet the criteria and who the Packers might select in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Iowan Cooper DeJean, DB
DeJean is categorized as a cornerback, yes, technically. The Packers will probably see the Iowa product as a hybrid defensive back if they decide to zone him in. His athletic range allows him to play centerfield and be the field erasing player that Hafley spoke of. He reacts quickly and provides poor running assistance. DeJean most notably possesses natural ball abilities. DeJean has intercepted seven passes, broken up thirteen passes, and scored three touchdowns in the last two seasons. He is exactly what Hafley’s defensive plan needs in a playmaker.
Nubin, Tyler, S., Minneapolis
Despite not being the longest safety in this class, Nubin’s willingness to run support and ball production tick a lot of boxes. After hearing Hafley outline the qualities he seeks in a safety, he immediately came to mind as a natural safety.
Gopher Safety understands route principles and communicates well from the backend. He rarely makes a mistake and doesn’t give up big plays. Everything is kept in front of him. Nubin, a former wide receiver in high school, had 13 interceptions in his career and possesses great ball skills. He has the downfield sprint and takes the right angles to get to the ball carrier as a run defender.
Miami’s Kamren Kinchens, S.
Kinchens might have a range in this draft class when discussing natural safety measures. He covers a great deal of back-end real estate. The Miami safety has intercepted 11 passes and broken up 11 more throughout the last two seasons. He has excellent field vision and is aware of route combinations. Despite his willingness to assist in running games, he has missed 24 tackles in the last two seasons.
Georgia’s Javon Bullard, DB
With his arsenal, Bullard may be a top-tier hybrid defensive back. Bullard, a former track star, had eight pass deflections and four interceptions in the previous two seasons. He possesses the range to cover the backend and the fluidity and short-area speed to line up in the spot. Flying downhill in run support, he delivers a small punch when he gets there.
USC’s Calen Bullock, S.
Of all the players in this draft class, the USC player might have the best natural ball skills. He concluded his USC career with nine interceptions and fifteen pass deflections, playing the ball like a wide receiver. He covers a lot of ground and has a focused gaze. He might not make the Green Bay roster due to his subpar tackling.
Beau Brade, Maryland, DB,
The product from Maryland offers a broad skill set. He is able to play high, in the slot, or in the box. His downhill quickness is impressive, but he needs to improve his tackling (35 missed tackles in the last two seasons). He moves explosively and has exceptional field vision.
Texas Tech’s Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, DB
The defensive back for Texas Tech has a football radar. Taylor-Demerson has racked up 33 pass deflections and 10 interceptions in the last three seasons. He has excellent route instincts, a strong football IQ, and true centerfield range. When Taylor-Demerson attacks downhill against the run, he has an incredible closing burst.
Wake Forest’s Malik Mustapha, DB
Hafley might fall in love with Mustapha if he’s looking for a defensive back who plays with a fiery passion. With run assistance, he flies downhill and is as tough as nails. He approaches the game with a thumper’s attitude and lays the wood right away. The Wake Forest defensive back can play in the backend and is most effective when he is going downhill.
Sione Vaki from Utah, DB
One of the players acts as though his hair is on fire. The defensive back from Utah is a heat-seeking rocket who wants to take you out of this world. Being an explosive athlete, he processes the action in front of him quickly. In Hafley’s defense, he is a flexible prospect who can play a variety of roles.
Cole Bishop, S., Utah
Although he can play a variety of roles for a defense, the Utah safety is most effective when he is playing closer to the line of scrimmage. Bishop is constantly near the football, whether he is playing deep, in the box, or in the slot.
Hicks, Jaden S., Washington State
Similar to Bishop, Hicks performs best when he plays nearer the line of scrimmage. He can still move around in the center of Hafley’s protection, though. Hicks charges downhill to meet the ball carrier and is an active run defender. Whether you line him up deep, in the slot, or in the box, Hicks’s physicality on the field is exactly what the Green Bay defense needs. As he attempts to assemble this defense, Hafley is searching for another safety who plays with the same unwavering passion.
Josh Proctor, S., University of Ohio
Hafley was Ohio State’s 2019 season proctor. Anyone who covered Ohio State this past season will tell you that Proctor was a key member of the defense’s leadership group. He’s an intellectual player who possesses jack-of-all-trades and master-of-none qualities. He’s merely a versatile player who can play a variety of roles.