Packers Move 2024 Fourth-Round Pick to Cornerback to Fortify Struggling Defense
GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers are making a bold move to address glaring holes in their secondary, announcing during mandatory minicamp on June 18, 2025, that safety Evan Williams will transition to cornerback, according to ESPN and PackersNews.com. The decision aims to bolster a pass defense that ranked 22nd in the NFL in 2024, allowing 227.1 passing yards per game, per Pro-Football-Reference. With the team eyeing a deep playoff run after a 2024 Divisional Round appearance, Williams’ versatility is seen as key to fortifying the backfield.
Williams, a 2024 fourth-round pick from Oregon, emerged as a standout rookie, starting 10 games at safety and recording 47 tackles, three interceptions, and six pass breakups, per NFL.com. His 81.2 PFF coverage grade ranked among the top rookie defensive backs, showcasing his instincts and ball skills. At 5’11” and 200 pounds, with a 4.47-second 40-yard dash, Williams possesses the athleticism to handle outside corner duties, a position where the Packers have struggled since Jaire Alexander’s injury-plagued 2024 season.
The Packers’ secondary has been a weak link, exacerbated by Eric Stokes’ inconsistent play and Keisean Nixon’s struggles in man coverage, per The Athletic. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley praised Williams’ adaptability, noting, “Evan’s got the speed and IQ to lock down receivers one-on-one,” according to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The move allows Xavier McKinney and rookie Javon Bullard to anchor the safety spots, while Williams joins Alexander and Stokes in a revamped cornerback group.
Williams’ transition draws comparisons to versatile defensive backs like Philadelphia’s Cooper DeJean, who recently shifted to safety. In college, Williams played both safety and nickel corner, amassing 172 tackles and four interceptions at Fresno State before transferring to Oregon. His experience in press coverage and ability to read routes make him a natural fit for Hafley’s aggressive scheme, which emphasizes press-man principles, per Acme Packing Company.
Fans are optimistic, with Reddit’s r/GreenBayPackers buzzing about Williams’ potential. “If Evan can handle CB, our secondary could be elite,” one user wrote. However, challenges remain. Williams must refine his footwork and adapt to facing top receivers like Justin Jefferson, a test he’ll face in Week 1 against the Vikings. Yahoo Sports reports the Packers are also exploring free-agent cornerbacks to add depth, but Williams’ promotion signals confidence in his upside.
The move comes as Green Bay builds on a 2024 season that saw Jordan Love throw for 4,159 yards and lead a Wild Card upset over Dallas. With a bolstered secondary, the Packers aim to compete with NFC powerhouses like the Eagles. As training camp nears, all eyes will be on Williams to prove he can plug the defensive gaps and elevate Green Bay’s Super Bowl aspirations.
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