GREEN BAY, Wis. — With the recent departure of cornerback Jaire Alexander many of the defensive players will need to step up this season for the Packers.
Evan Williams was the second safety taken by the Packers in the 2024 draft and had a lot to prove to earn his way onto the field as a rookie. He said year one under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley was all about learning the basics, but now it’s about expanding and really making an impact.
“Having a full offseason with this defense, you could already see that [Hafley] is creating some stuff,” said Williams. “It's already looking to be effective. I feel that disguise wise we were really good last year and there's still another step that we can take in that department.”
In year one, Williams made the Professional Football Writers of America All-Rookie team, but he said that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what he can do.
“I’m a guy that learns through experience,” said Williams. “Learns through being in the fire more than just sitting back and watching. And so I feel like…each rep, each step I'm taking this year, I'm just gaining confidence, gaining experience.”
Williams started six games as a rookie, but multiple injuries affected his availability for the team. Head Coach Matt LaFleur said that’s been an emphasis for Williams this offseason.
“He's got to continue to learn his body, and because I know we had there were some injuries last year just to make sure that he's available,” said LaFleur. “I think just building on what he's already done and being consistent with it. Again, another guy that loves the game, he's extremely intelligent. He comes in with the right mentality and he just works.”
Williams said he has all the confidence in the world about the corners they have in their secondary. He has some comforting words to those who may have concerns about the cornerback position and the rest of their defense.
“I'm not worried about our group at all,” said Williams. We've been balling out so far in OTAs and we'll see if we pick up somebody else. I know we're a little light right now just because we have a couple of injuries right now. But no, I don't worry is what I would say to anybody worrying. We're going to get it figured out.”
Williams made a big impact in his rookie season in his 13 games played. He hopes to improve upon that in year two, which includes being a full-time starter and helping the defense to reach greater heights.
