The Green Bay Packers were among the best teams in the NFL on both sides of the ball last season and can reach new heights in 2025.
One positional group that Packers fans should feel confident in is the safety unit, led by 2024 All-Pro Xavier McKinney. A recent article from ESPN ranked Green Bay's safety group as the second-best in the league, while labeling them as a unit to watch in 2025.
"Xavier McKinney was a home run acquisition last offseason, as the ex-Giant produced eight interceptions (second most in the NFL) and earned his first All-Pro bid," writes Mike Clay of ESPN. "And 2024 draft selections Javon Bullard (second round) and Evan Williams (fourth) each played substantial roles as rookies and should be featured heavily in a defense that leans on three-safety looks."
Packers safety group labeled unit to watch in upcoming season
The Packers fielded a strong safety group in 2024, led by free-agent signing McKinney and draft picks Javon Bullard and Kyle Williams. All three players are set to return this season, and one has to figure the unit will improve -- particularly if the two second-year players take the next step in their development.
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McKinney is certainly the star of the group, as he recorded 88 total tackles, 60 solo tackles, two tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, one quarterback hit, eight interceptions, one fumble recovery, and 11 passes defended. His performance earned him first-team All-Pro honors.
Meanwhile, Bullard and Williams showed plenty of promise during their rookie season -- and both figure to take the next step in their development. While McKinney may have a hard time repeating his eight-interception season, the duo behind him will likely produce more than the one interception they combined for in 2024.
Green Bay enters 2025 as one of the most well-rounded teams in the entire league. If Bullard and Williams are both able to grow individually, it could go a long way toward helping the Packers accomplish their goals.