Packers: Position group rankings ahead of training camp

9. Safety

Starters: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Josh Jones

In the mix: Kentrell Brice, Marwin Evans, Jermaine Whitehead, Raven Green

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is coming off a down year. Josh Jones’ rookie season was a mixed bag with some bright spots and many mistakes. Kentrell Brice was lost to injured reserve early in the year but played well in his rookie season of 2016. Marwin Evans and Jermaine Whitehead have not done much to distinguish themselves yet, but have not made tremendous errors either.

Clinton-Dix and Jones have the talent to make a top-tier duo in the NFL. Each has an early-round pedigree. Both also have the tangibles to be top-flight safeties. Clinton-Dix is on the last year of his rookie deal and is playing for his next contract.

Jones will be focused on one position, which will help. Bouncing back and forth from linebacker to safety couldn’t have helped Jones in his rookie year. There is tremendous potential here with this duo. But Jones and Clinton-Dix will have to play to their draft status for that potential to be realized.

Brice established himself as a hard-hitting speedster during the 2016 season. An injury early in 2017 never allowed Brice to follow up on a promising rookie campaign. Look for Brice to come back with a heat-seeking missile mentality and give the Packers depth at both safety positions.

Injuries could hurt the Packers here if one of the starters go down. Evans and Whitehead have not done enough to prove they are capable backups. Brice has to stay healthy to prove he is. If Clinton-Dix and Jones make good on their potential, the Packers could have the makings of a talented and deep secondary.