4 Packers who aren't safe with Jeff Hafley as defensive coordinator
Keisean Nixon
Hafley has experience as a defensive backs coach in the NFL, having held that role with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers. Hopefully, he can help Green Bay's secondary make significant improvements in 2024. That starts by strengthening the roster.
Addressing the safety position is likely near the top of the to-do list, but cornerback can't be overlooked, either. Playing more press-man will benefit the Packers' outside corners—Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, and Carrington Valentine best suit that role, as opposed to the soft zone coverages they often played under Barry.
But Green Bay needs to improve in the middle of the field. Keisean Nixon is an outstanding kick returner but struggled in coverage as the Packers' primary slot corner. According to Pro Football Reference, Nixon gave up completions on 77.8 percent of passes thrown his way for 601 yards and three touchdowns. He had one interception.
The Packers must prioritize finding an upgrade at slot corner. Michigan's Mike Sainristil, who intercepted six passes this season and returned two for touchdowns, is a name to watch in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Fixing the secondary is an absolute must for the Packers. Along with finding upgrades at safety, getting a new slot corner for Hafley has to become a priority.