Packers News: Justin Simmons, Keisean Nixon, Eric Wilson signing, draft updates

The Green Bay Packers' search for a safety to pair with Xavier McKinney took a twist this week. Minnesota's Tyler Nubin—considered the best safety in the upcoming draft class—was likely removed from the Packers' board after a disappointing performance at his Pro Day.

It leaves fewer ideal safety prospects for the Packers in what was already a thin rookie class, perhaps increasing the need to sign another veteran.

Free agent Justin Simmons is still available, and the Packers would be an excellent landing spot for the four-time All-Pro.

There has been no indication of any Packers interest in signing Simmons, but many fans hope it will happen, especially after Simmons' comments about a former Green Bay safety.

Potential Packers target Justin Simmons praises former safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

Could the Packers sign Simmons? That remains to be seen. In the meantime, fans enjoyed Simmons' tweet about former Packers first-round pick Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.

Green Bay selected Clinton-Dix in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft while Simmons was entering his third season at Boston College. Clinton-Dix was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and was a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro in 2016, Simmons' rookie season with the Denver Broncos.

One similarity between their games is their ability to force turnovers. Clinton-Dix intercepted 16 passes in his five seasons with the Packers, while Simmons has 23 over the past five years.

Hopefully, Simmons would be interested in playing for the team that drafted Clinton-Dix.

Keisean Nixon hopes NFL approves kickoff rule change

A change to the kickoff rules is possibly on the way. It's a drastic change that would force kickers to aim for a "landing zone" between the goal line and the 20-yard line. Failing to hit that zone would result in a penalty similar to kicking the ball out of bounds.

The biggest change is that only the kicker and returner can move while the ball is in the air. Every other player on the field must remain stationary until the ball reaches the "landing zone" or is caught by the returner.

Packers returner Keisean Nixon is coming off consecutive first-team All-Pro seasons, and he would welcome the change.

He's right. While the opposing team would line up at the Packers' 40-yard line, the fact they could only move once the ball was in Nixon's hands would be a huge advantage. It could lead to even more big returns for the Packers.

RELATED: Proposed new kickoff rule would give Packers an unfair advantage

Social media post suggests Packers have re-signed Eric Wilson

It appears the Packers have re-signed core special teams player Eric Wilson.

Wilson posted on Instagram: "Another year with the Pack!!"

It solves two issues. The Packers desperately need linebacker depth after releasing De'Vondre Campbell and moving to a 4-3 defense, and Wilson is arguably their best special teams player. Bringing him back is a smart decision.

Packers schedule pre-draft visits with defensive lineman, cornerback

Green Bay's draft preparations continue, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

Northern Iowa defensive lineman Khristian Boyd visited the Packers, posting a photo from Lambeau Field. According to The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler, Green Bay has also scheduled a Top 30 visit with Florida State cornerback Jarrian Jones.

Boyd would give Green Bay another talented interior pass rusher along the defensive line, while Jones is one of the best slot corners in the draft class.

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