His sample size might be only 150 total snaps, but Green Bay Packers rookie safety Evan Williams is both the highest-graded safety in the NFL and the highest-graded rookie in the NFL through six weeks of the 2024 season, per grades at Pro Football Focus.
Williams cumulative grade so far is 91.4, representing an “elite” grade overall.
After playing only 24 total snaps on defense during the first three weeks, Williams has emerged as a consistent, reliable and playmaking defender for Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley over the last three weeks. He peaked last week, earning an elite grade during the Packers’ win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Over 150 snaps, including 102 in coverage, Williams has allowed only five completions, while also creating two defensive stops (including a third-down stop of Kyler Murray), a game-ending interception on a Hail Mary, a game-ending pass break up against Matthew Stafford and a forced fumble on a punch out last week.
It’s fair to wonder if Williams has forced Hafley into making him a full-time player. Last week, Williams played 38 of 58 defensive snaps. The Packers are mixing and matching in the secondary, using Keisean Nixon on the perimeter, Javon Bullard in the slot and Williams deep alongside Xavier McKinney at times.
The Packers have completely revamped the safety position. Not only is Williams emerging, but McKinney has five interceptions and six takeaways, and the former Giant ranks second behind Williams in overall grade among NFL safeties with at least 100 snaps played.
Williams isn’t the only impressive Packers rookie. Edgerrin Cooper currently ranks as the 12th highest graded rookie and second-highest graded rookie linebacker. Bullard doesn’t have excellent grades yet, but he ranks fourth on the Packers defense in snaps played.
Consistency is always the issue with rookies, and ups and downs should be expected regardless of Williams’ excellent start. Still, the three rookie defenders have significantly raised the potential of the Packers defense in 2024.