Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams have helped establish one of the Green Bay Packers’ greatest strengths entering the 2026 NFL season, with ESPN identifying the team’s safety position as the foundation of its roster. As expectations continue to rise for Green Bay, the Packers’ ability to control games from the back end of the defense has become a major reason many believe the team can compete with the NFC’s best.
The evaluation highlighted the impressive combination of talent, versatility and chemistry that defines Green Bay’s safety group. McKinney has developed into one of the league’s premier defensive playmakers, while Williams has emerged as a dependable complement capable of making an impact against both the run and the pass. Together, they provide the Packers with a reliable defensive tandem capable of limiting explosive plays and creating game-changing turnovers.
Strong safety play has become increasingly valuable in today’s NFL, where offenses routinely attack defenses with multiple receivers and dynamic passing concepts. Green Bay’s ability to trust its safeties in coverage allows the coaching staff greater flexibility when designing defensive schemes. That versatility creates opportunities to disguise coverages, generate pressure and better contain opposing quarterbacks throughout the course of a game.
The strength of the safety room also benefits the rest of the defense. With dependable players patrolling the secondary, Green Bay’s cornerbacks and linebackers can play more aggressively, knowing they have experienced support behind them. That confidence helps the defense play faster while reducing costly mistakes against some of the league’s most explosive offenses.
ESPN’s NFL Analysis Points Out Green Bay Packers’ Biggest Strength Before 2026 Season
Green Bay’s Safety corp has been hailed as the team’s biggest strength for next season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Mike Clay for ESPN.
Biggest strength: Safety. Quarterback was a consideration, but a safeties room led by Xavier McKinney gets the nod. McKinney produced eight INTs (second most in the NFL) in 2024 and finished top 12 among safeties in tackles and pass deflections in 2025. Evan Williams has emerged as a solid starter, and Javon Bullard (whose primary focus is slot corner) adds depth/insurance.
Although much of the offseason attention has centered on quarterback Jordan Love and the Packers’ young offensive talent, the defense could ultimately become the team’s defining characteristic. A productive pass rush paired with elite safety play gives Green Bay the balance needed to compete in meaningful games late in the season. That combination strengthens the Packers’ chances of remaining among the NFC’s top contenders.
Championship-caliber teams are often built around one defining strength, and Green Bay appears to have found that identity in its secondary. If McKinney and Williams continue performing at a high level, the Packers’ safety tandem could remain one of the NFL’s premier defensive units while helping position the franchise for another serious postseason run in 2026.
