3 moves Packers must make after hiring Jeff Hafley as defensive coordinator

1. Use an early draft pick on a safety

Safety becomes an important position in Jeff Hafley's defense. Under Joe Barry, the Packers often played with two deep safeties, a system designed to keep everything in front of the defense, limiting big plays. Hafley plays a lot of single-high, adding greater importance to finding a quality starting safety.

Darnell Savage, Jonathan Owens, and Rudy Ford are free agents. While the Packers could bring one of them back on a team-friendly deal, Green Bay must aim to upgrade the safety position.

They don't have the cap space to offer All-Pro Antoine Winfield Jr. a massive contract, but some affordable targets in free agency, including Xavier McKinney and Julian Blackmon, could be available.

In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Packers could consider Miami's Kamren Kinchens, Minnesota's Tyler Nubin, or USC's Calen Bullock in the early rounds.

For Hafley's system to reach its potential, the Packers need to find a game-changer at safety. That's easier said than done, but it's unlikely any of their free agents at the position are ideal fits in Green Bay's new-look defense.

The Packers hit the reset button at tight end and wide receiver in recent offseasons, and they need to make a similar move at safety.

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