Projected Packers depth chart on defense entering the preseason

After taking a look at the offensive side of the ball, attention now turns to the defense and special teams as the Green Bay Packers play their first preseason game in Cleveland this weekend.

Prior to kickoff of that game, we predict who Green Bay will be looking to start in Week 1 against Philadelphia.

For this exercise, the depth chart will be based on defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley's 4-3 base scheme.

Predicting the Green Bay Packers depth chart on defense

Defensive line

• Starters: Rashan Gary, Kenny Clark, T.J. Slaton, Preston Smith
• Backups: Lukas Van Ness, Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, Kingsley Enagbare, Colby Wooden, Brenton Cox Jr.

Kenny Clark, a three-time Pro Bowler who recently signed a massive extension, heads up this fantastic unit. The elder statesman, Preston Smith, may be among the Packers benefiting from the hiring of Jeff Hafley the most, now being able to put his hand in the dirt, as opposed to being forced into coverage against the likes of Davante Adams and Justin Jefferson.

This backup unit is absolutely stacked, with top-end talent like Devonte Wyatt, Lukas Van Ness, and Kingsley Enagbare all getting significant snap counts in rotation with the starters. A 4-3/4-2-5 will allow this group to truly dig in and play downhill, clogging the middle and causing havoc for the rest of the NFL. Do not be surprised if one or more of this group ends up having a career year.

Linebackers

• Starters: Quay Walker, Ty'Ron Hopper, Eric Wilson
• Backups: Isaiah McDuffie, Edgerrin Cooper (injury)

Varying from the Packers' first "unofficial" depth chart release, Ty'Ron Hopper will find himself in the starting defense if he can recover from the injury that kept him out of practice on Thursday. Hopper has been incredibly impressive in camp, including covering Christian Watson step for step on a deep throw during Family Night. Hopper fits perfectly into this 4-3/4-2-5 scheme as a hybrid player who had played defensive back in high school.

Special teams ace Eric Wilson holds the last starting spot for this prediction, as Edgerrin Cooper is still out with injury and may end up being an early IR candidate, depending on the severity of the injury and need at other position groups.

Cooper will be a starter at some point in the near future. If he were healthy, he would have the nod over Wilson, as mentioned above. However, for this prediction, we do keep him on the initial 53, but as a reserve who will be playing meaningful snaps as soon as he is 100%.

Cornerbacks

• Starters: Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes
• Nickel corner: Keisean Nixon
• Backups: Carrington Valentine, Corey Ballentine, Kalen King

Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes have rarely been healthy together, but they are finally ready to flourish in 2024. Alexander is one of the emotional leaders on this squad and, when healthy, is the definition of a shutdown corner—just ask Justin Jefferson. Stokes can become an incredible talent, but he just hasn't been available for the past two seasons. He has been great in camp so far, and hopefully, that can carry into the season.

Carrington Valentine could snag the starting corner job from Stokes, but he has missed time with a hamstring injury. Corey Ballentine has been a consistent piece of this team the last few seasons, a true plug-and-play option who can play in the slot or outside. That leaves rookie Kalen King, who slid in the draft after a ho-hum 2023 season despite being one of the top-ranked corners in college football a year earlier. King could be another steal and has made some plays in camp, including an interception off Jordan Love.

Safeties

• Starters: Xavier McKinney, Javon Bullard
• Backups: Evan Williams, Anthony Johnson, Kitan Oladapo

Xavier McKinney does it all. He has a nose for the ball, with three interceptions and a forced fumble last year. Rookie Javon Bullard was one of the top safeties in this year's draft class and has lived up to the hype so far. Coming into camp, it was a three-person race for this spot, but Bullard has been undeniable.

Evan Williams has also been impressive. He presents some versatility and could play both safety spots or even factor in as a nickel corner. Anthony Johnson Jr. has gotten some work with the first-team defense. Rookie Kitan Oladapo had a late start to camp due to injury. He should factor into special teams and has a chance to grow with the preseason snaps he should get.

Special teams

• Kicker: Greg Joseph
• Punter: Daniel Whelan
• Long snapper: Peter Bowden

At kicker, Green Bay brought in Alex Hale earlier this week, who went 4/5 during practice on Wednesday. Hale is likely a long shot to make it, but his presence may indicate the team doesn't feel 100% confident in either Anders Carlson or Greg Joseph. Barring a meteoric rise from Hale, it feels like Joseph will continue to pull away with the job.

The veteran has bounced around in the NFL, holding a career 82.6% success rate, which would put him slightly above Mason Crosby's career percentage of 81.3%. Crosby has significantly longer service time in the position, but this helps put Joseph's numbers in perspective. Carlson was 81.8% last year, 29th in the league, and only 87.2% on extra points, which ranked 33rd. Joseph went 94.7% from extra points in 2023, which could be enough to firmly take the job.

More Packers news and analysis