In defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s first season with the Packers last year, his defense more than showed out for him as it finished the season sixth in total defense.
For Hafley, the defensive backs are the backbone of his entire unit.
It All Starts With Xavier McKinney
It is hard to find a more impactful player on the back end of any defense than Packers safety Xavier McKinney.
The former New York Giant signed a four-year, $67 million deal with the Packers last offseason and played like he was worth more.
He became the first player since the 1970 merger to record an interception in each of his first five games with a new team.
The former national champion at Alabama earned All-Pro honors after posting 88 tackles and eight interceptions, along with 11 pass deflections (tied career-high).
Xavier McKinney is DIFFERENT pic.twitter.com/Nbsk4DIitG
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) October 6, 2024
He is the heart and soul of this defense, and because of that, he might remind fans of franchise legends such as Nick Collins and Charles Woodson.
Exciting rookie safety Evan Williams played alongside McKinney for much of the season and more than held his own.
He recorded 49 total tackles, three pass deflections, an interception, and a forced fumble.
Jaire Alexander Completes This Group
Currently in the building, fellow cornerbacks Keisean Nixon and the recently signed Nate Hobbs are a couple of key defenders, both in the slot and on the boundary.
Nixon recorded a career-high seven pass deflections and three sacks last season while Hobbs, for the Las Vegas Raiders, recorded 35 pass deflections over the last four seasons.
Even young Carrington Valentine stepped up by forcing four turnovers in 2024.
Of course, All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander has stayed away from the team this offseason as both sides look to come to a resolution regarding the future of No. 23.
#Packers not participating in today’s voluntary OTAs:
Quay Walker
Christian Watson
Nate Hobbs
Jaire Alexander
Collin Oliver
Trey Hill
Nests Jade Silvera
John Williams
Elgton Jenkins
John FitzPatrick
Warren Brinson— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) June 3, 2025
With Alexander back in the fold, the Packers would have one of the best defensive back groups in the entire league.
He brings the physicality and the trash-talk, which is hard to replace, along with the 70 career pass deflections, 12 career interceptions, and 287 career tackles.
It will be interesting to see if the two sides can find a way to bring Alexander back, especially because this team can win the Super Bowl.
