When you think about the Green Bay Packers' secondary, one of the first things to cross your mind is likely the inconsistency the team has had at the cornerback position.
However, there's a young safety on the rise who is already on track to become a key piece of the Green Bay defense moving forward. Evan Williams, a fourth-round pick in 2024, looks the type of player that fans can depend on.
Williams proved that he could be a major problem for opposing quarterbacks, leading the team with three interceptions. But he was also capable of shutting down plays before the ball even crossed the line of scrimmage, recording four tackles for loss last season, the most among Green Bay's defensive backs. He's a true rising star at the position, with his PFF grade over the last two years ranking 16th among eligible safeties.
Evan Williams is quietly becoming one of the Packers' biggest stars on defense
His most notable trait, though, might be his availability. The ability to stay healthy has become increasingly important on both sides of the ball in Green Bay, with injuries to Tucker Kraft and Micah Parsons playing a large role in derailing the Packers' hopes of a deep playoff run.
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Williams was a constant presence, being one of just six Green Bay defenders to start at least 16 games last year while seeing his usage increase from 56 percent to 86 percent of snaps from his rookie season.
More time spent on the field allowed Williams to be a more consistent difference-maker, finishing fourth on the team in total tackles and third in passes defended. Last season, Weeks 11 and 12 were his standout games, as he recorded nine solo tackles and forced interceptions from both Jameis Winston and J.J. McCarthy.
The former Oregon Duck has quickly become the other half of an elite safety duo, joining All-Pro Xavier McKinney, who signed with the Packers in free agency the same year that Williams was drafted.
No longer the youngest team in the NFL, the Packers are relying on their recent draft selections to pan out. Williams is one of those players, making the secondary a little brighter.
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