Packers reveal plans for their secondary configuration in 2024

The Green Bay Packers are changing defensive schemes under Jeff Hafley, and the new secondary is starting to take shape. The numbers don't change much, as every system in the current version of the NFL will primarily play with five defensive backs.

The roles are different for safeties, though. Instead of two interchangeable deep safeties like it happened under Joe Barry, the Packers are expected to play more single-high coverage, with a deep free safety, while the strong safety reinforces the box.

The cornerbacks will play the same spots, even though their approach might be different. According to Hafley's initial press conference, they are expected to play more aggressively, challenging wide receivers near the line of scrimmage.

Now, the remaining questions are which pieces will execute each role.

Cornerbacks

The cornerback position is set for the most part. Jaire Alexander is the obvious answer as a boundary corner, while Eric Stokes (if/when healthy) and Carrington Valentine will fight for the other job.

There had been a perception that Green Bay would try to upgrade the nickel corner position, but general manager Brian Gutekunst spoke during the League Owners' Meeting in Florida, and he seems comfortable with Keisean Nixon in that spot.

"We're excited for what he can do for our defense," said Gutekunst. "I think bringing in Jeff Hafley and giving him some time to study Keisean and make sure that that was a fit was important. He's very excited to have him back, as well."

Even though Nixon was an All-Pro kick returner, his numbers as a nickel corner were suboptimal. He missed 14 tackles and allowed a 103.3 passer rating when targeted.

"I certainly feel really good about Keisean and what he did as a first-year (starter) with that many snaps in the nickel and where he's headed," Gutekunst added. "Having some stability there is something that gives me some peace."

The evaluation of the new defensive coaching staff was a big part of the process, according head coach Matt LaFleur.

"They were really excited with what they saw on tape," LaFleur mentioned on Tuesday, "with his ability to play the nickel position."

Safeties

The Packers made a huge investment at the safety position by adding former New York Giants' defensive back Xavier McKinney, signing him to a four-year, $68 million contract. So he obviously is the main starter.

But the second safety spot is still a question mark. The other safeties on the 90-man roster are Anthony Johnson Jr., who was a seventh-round pick last year, former undrafted player Benny Sapp III, plus special teamers Zayne Anderson and Tyler Coyle. Green Bay will probably add more bodies to the room, but the draft is the more likely path.

"Certainly, I think we'd always prefer to have a young guy that's going to have his best football ahead of him," the general manager pointed out. "I think we'll look at all options as we go forward."

Development plan

The Packers built a coaching staff with the specific focus on developing players, particularly in the secondary. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has a solid background as a defensive backs coach, for instance.

Moreover, passing game coordinator Derrick Ansley, defensive backs coach Ryan Downard, and defensive quality control coach Anthony Perkins are all connected to the unit.