PACKERS SAFETY STRATEGY: Possible Draft Move to Bolster Defensive Backfield Depth

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Green Bay Packers are evaluating their roster needs, with the safety position emerging as an intriguing area of potential improvement.

While the Packers are not in dire need of additional talent at the top of the safety depth chart, there remains an opportunity to strengthen the group further through the draft.

Current depth at the position features returning players such as Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, and Javon Bullard, all of whom provided stability in 2025.

McKinney, in particular, has been a standout contributor, anchoring the secondary with his ability to cover both the deep field and intermediate routes effectively.

Williams and Bullard, who often starts in the slot, offer versatility and solid playmaking, providing flexibility for defensive coordinator Joe Barry’s schemes.

However, the departure of Zayne Anderson to the Miami Dolphins in free agency has left a gap, albeit a manageable one, within the secondary depth.

Behind the starters, Kitan Oladapo is a familiar face, serving as the fifth safety for the past two seasons and contributing primarily on special teams.

Johnathan Baldwin, another player on the roster, was given a significant investment last offseason, reflecting the team’s belief in his potential to contribute in the future.

Baldwin’s standing suggests that the Packers may be willing to carry five safeties, potentially giving him a spot on the 53-man roster if he impresses in training camp.

Over recent seasons, the Packers’ safeties have seen considerable action on special teams, a role that could change with the recent addition of cornerback Benjamin St-Juste.

St-Juste’s arrival brings additional special teams experience, potentially reducing the need to carry five safeties and making four a more realistic option moving forward.

From a draft perspective, the Packers are keeping a close eye on the best safety prospects available, with a few players standing out on their radar.

The consensus draft board ranks players like Caleb Downs from Ohio State and Dillon Thieneman from Oregon highly, but Green Bay’s attention seems focused on safety A.J. Haulcy from LSU.

Haulcy has impressed scouts with his strong showing and was even brought in as one of the Packers’ highest-rated pre-draft visitors.

His potential impact has been discussed across various NFL circles, with analysts noting that he could provide immediate value in both safety positions.

Interestingly, Haulcy’s visits have extended beyond Green Bay, as he also met with the Seattle Seahawks and the Miami Dolphins.

All three teams are led by executives with prior experience in Green Bay’s front office, which could indicate a shared interest in Haulcy’s skillset.

While Haulcy is expected to be a Day 2 pick in the draft, the Packers have also hosted two other safeties for visits: Jacob Thomas from James Madison and Juwon Gaston from Middle Tennessee.

Both Thomas and Gaston are viewed as likely undrafted free agents, though they could offer value to the team in specialized roles or on the practice squad.

For a more unique story, Texas Tech’s Cole Wisniewski, originally from Sparta, Wisconsin, is another intriguing prospect to follow.

Wisniewski, who played for North Dakota State and stands 6’3″ and 219 pounds, is one of the larger safeties in the draft class.

His size and experience with a powerhouse FCS program make him an interesting option for a team looking for depth and versatility in the secondary.

While the safety position is not one of the Packers’ most pressing needs, adding another player with special teams potential or defensive upside could provide long-term benefits.

With their current depth chart and a solid mix of experienced players and young potential, Green Bay’s safety position remains in a stable but fluid state.

As the draft looms, it will be fascinating to see if the Packers opt to add another safety to further bolster their secondary or focus on other areas of need.

The team’s strategic approach to roster building, particularly in terms of special teams and defensive flexibility, will be key factors in how they approach their selection at safety.

Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see if a safety, perhaps Haulcy, joins the team and provides immediate competition for the existing roster spots.

Regardless of who they select, it’s clear that the Packers are committed to maintaining a strong, competitive defense moving forward.