Jeff Hafley describes 'perfect' safety target for Packers in 2024 NFL Draft

Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley spoke to the media this week, giving insight into his scheme and what he wants.

Safety is an important position in Hafley's system and one the Packers must upgrade this offseason. Hafley uses a lot of single-high coverages.

A reporter asked Hafley what he looks for at the safety position.

"I want a guy who can erase things—we've got to eliminate explosive plays when we play this defense," said Hafley. "If a run hits up the middle, this guy has got to come out of the middle of the field with his hair on fire and has got to be able to get a guy down."

"I think that position has to be a guy with high ball production, meaning he's got be able to intercept the ball."

None of Green Bay's safeties check all of those boxes. It highlights the urgency for the Packers to prioritize safety this offseason.

Hafley concluded by saying he's "describing the perfect player." He could also be describing Tyler Nubin, a potential early-round draft target for the Packers.

Tyler Nubin fits Jeff Hafley's description for 'perfect' Packers safety target

Hafley is looking for a safety who can "erase things," someone who can "eliminate explosive plays," but also a player "with high ball production."

Minnesota's Tyler Nubin should be on the Packers' radar in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Bucky Brooks of NFL.com believes Nubin "could thrive as the ornament atop the Christmas tree in a single-high safety defense." That's the role he could play in Hafley's system.

"Nubin is a sensational playmaker with the ball skills and tackling ability to control the middle of the field from numbers to numbers," writes Brooks.

Nubin is exactly what Hafley is looking for at the safety position. His biggest strength is the final point Hafley made. Nubin is outstanding in coverage and creates turnovers. He intercepted five passes in his final season at Minnesota.

According to ESPN's Matt Miller, Nubin only allowed 30 yards when he was the primary coverage defender this season.

The Packers hold two second-round picks—Nos. 41 and 57—putting them in perfect position to select Nubin. He could be available when Green Bay hits the clock in the second round, but the additional draft capital allows Brian Gutekunst to trade up if needed.

Green Bay has to improve at safety. Gutekunst rebuilt at wide receiver and tight end in previous offseasons and with instant results. He has a similar opportunity at safety. Darnell Savage, Jonathan Owens, and Rudy Ford are free agents.

The Packers may double down in free agency and the draft, as they did in 2019 by signing Adrian Amos and drafting Savage.

It's not the deepest rookie class at the position, but Nubin is the perfect safety for Hafley's defense.

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