Green Bay’s defense could look different in 2024. After moving on from Joe Barry, the Packers brought in Jeff Hafley. The hire was surprising, but holds promise. With stars at all three levels of the defense, the talent is on hand for the Packers to make strides. But there is room for improvement after giving up the eighth-most air yards on completions in 2023.
Adding pieces to the secondary will need to be done, regardless of how the Packers handle the contracts of their impending free agents. Players like Keisean Nixon, Rudy Ford, Darnell Savage, and Corey Ballentine all played meaningful snaps in 2023. All four are set to hit free agency this spring. Ballentine, Nixon, and Ford also all recorded career highs in snaps in 2023. They each had their moments in 2023, so re-signing all three players would behoove the Packers. But, the team could stand to upgrade the slot corner position.
3 Slot Corners The Packers Should Go After
Free Agent Targets
Jeff Okudah
With ties to Hafley from their time together at Ohio State, signing Okudah makes sense for Green Bay. Having played against Okudah when he was in Detroit, Green Bay should have a little more intel on him as a player. Coming into the NFL, Okudah had lofty expectations. He was selected third overall in the heralded 2020 draft class but never lived up to those expectations. At least, not in Detroit. After being traded to Atlanta, Okudah found his footing under Ryan Nielsen. But with Nielsen being gone, and the Falcons likely overhauling their roster, Okudah could be the odd man out.
Hafley has received high praise from many of his former college players. A reunion with Okudah, then, makes a lot of sense. Given the depth of the cornerback position in the draft, Okudah’s market in free agency could be deflated. Green Bay should put out an offer for Okudah, and see if Hafley can tap into the potential that made him such a highly touted draft prospect.
The Draft
Cooper DeJean
A man of many talents, DeJean will be a hot prospect entering the NFL Draft. DeJean can do a little bit of everything, including returning kicks and punts. Over the years, Iowa has produced some real NFL talent. From George Kittle and Sam LaPorta to Tristan Wirfs and Tyler Linderbaum, the program has seen many of its college prospects blossom into stars. DeJean plays the ball like a receiver when it’s in the air, and displays good field vision once the ball is in his hands. His instincts and ball skills will make him an asset to any team. Between his punt returns and interceptions, DeJean scored multiple touchdowns in his career at Iowa. If Nixon walks, DeJean would be an ideal fit for him, both as a slot corner and returner.
T.J. Tampa
Like its in-state rival, Iowa State is churning out NFL players. T.J. Tampa played in more than 30 games in college and produced at a high level. In his senior year, Tampa only allowed one touchdown while in coverage (per Iowa State). Known for his physicality at the line of scrimmage and as a tackler, Tampa’s tape impresses. He knows how to lay the wood, and is aggressive in coverage. At Iowa State, he also displayed good vision and proved capable of staying disciplined when it comes to defending the run. Tampa would be a good fit in Green Bay and could flourish under the tutelage of Jaire Alexander. A strong performance at the NFL Combine should help him climb draft boards. With extra draft capital, the Packers could target him with one of their day-two picks.
Main Photo: Junfu Han – USA Today Sports
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