One of the goals for the Green Bay Packers heading into the 2024 NFL Draft was to upgrade their defensive backfield. Safety has been a worrisome position for years and they learned the hard way how important depth is at cornerback in 2023.
One of their big splashes in free agency was signing safety Xavier McKinney away from the New York Giants. He will hold down one of the starting spots alongside, presumably, Anthony Johnson Jr., a seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Following this year’s draft, safety is no longer a need. Three players were selected in Javon Bullard, Evan Williams and Kitan Oladapo. All three have differing skill sets that should blend well with McKinney and Johnson.
Given the coverage skills of some of their safeties, they should be able to help in pass coverage in the slot. But, even after using a seventh-round pick on cornerback Kalen King, some experienced depth there is needed.
In the opinion of Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports, that makes the Packers the perfect landing spot for veteran Stephon Gilmore. The 2019 Defensive Player of the Year spent the 2023 season with the Dallas Cowboys but remains a free agent heading into offseason workouts.
“Still a starter despite being on four teams in three years,” Kerr writes for CBS. “Gilmore can still play at a high level — even at 33 years old. He should find a job next month after allowing four passing touchdowns and a 60.3 rating in coverage.
“Green Bay didn’t take a cornerback until pick No. 255 but put a lot of resources into the safety position. They could use some outside help next to Jaire Alexander, and Gilmore would be more than ideal to challenge the oft-injured Eric Stokes for playing time.” (H/T Heavy)
Gilmore would be the perfect addition to the Packers’ secondary. He wouldn’t be over-extended as the team’s No. 1 option, as Jaire Alexander remains an elite coverage corner. But, should injury issues arise for Alexander again, Gilmore is capable of stepping into the top spot.
Green Bay has been unable to rely on 2022 first-round pick Eric Stokes, who has dealt with several injuries in his career as well. Carrington Valentine was a revelation as a seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and will be in the mix for a starting spot as well. There would be significantly less pressure on both players if a veteran of Gilmore’s caliber was added to the mix.
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