Tag: Javon Bullard

Potential safety targets in 2024 draft for Jeff Hafley’s Packers defense

Who could be safety targets in the 2024 draft for Jeff Hafley’s Packers defense?

If the Green Bay Packers were to play a game this Sunday, they’d roll out Anthony Johnson Jr and Benny Sapp III as their two starting safeties. With Darnell Savage Jr, Rudy Ford and Jonathon Owens set to be free agents, Brian Gutekunst will need to get new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley some safety help this offseason.

“I think it’s an important spot,” Hafley said during his introductory press conference on Thursday. “I think that guy back in the middle of the field, when things break down – when they throw the ball up in the air, he has to go and get it. I think it’s a very important spot in the defense.”

As a team last season the Packers picked off just seven passes, with three of those interceptions coming from the safety group. If it’s up to Hafley, that number will rise during his first season as defensive coordinator at 1265 Lombardi Avenue.

“I want a guy who can erase things,” Hafley said. “We gotta eliminate explosive plays when we play this defense, so if a run hits up the middle, this guy’s gotta come out of the middle field with his hair on fire, he’s gotta be able to get a guy down. I also want him to be a guy, when a ball carrier is wrapped up, he goes and he finishes off the pile. I want a guy who can go from sideline to sideline and take the ball away. I think that position has to be a guy with high ball production, meaning he’s gotta be able to intercept the ball. He’s gotta be a guy that can communicate and he’s gotta be a guy that can get guys lined up and make some calls back there and I’d love a guy that can play man, so I guess I’m describing the perfect player to you, but those are some of the traits I’d look for in playing that position.”

There is a lot to digest from what Hafley looks for out of his safeties. Let’s take a look at some defensive backs that fit the bill and that could be targets for the Packers in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

Yes, technically DeJean is listed as a cornerback. If the Packers zone in on the Iowa product, they’d likely view him as a hybrid defensive back. He has the rangy athleticism to play centerfield to be the field eraser that Hafley described. He’s quick to trigger coming downhill in run support. Most importantly, DeJean has natural ball skills. Over the past two seasons, DeJean picked off seven passes, broke up 13 passes and scored three touchdowns. He’s the playmaker that Hafley’s defensive scheme needs.

Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota

While Nubin may not be the rangiest of safeties in this class he checks a lot of boxes with his ball production and willingness in run support. He’s the first natural safety that came to mind when listening to Hafley describe what he looks for in a safety. 

The Gopher safety is a great communicator from the backend and recognizes route concepts. He’s rarely out of position and doesn’t give up explosive plays. He keeps everything in front of him. A former high school wide receiver, Nubin has natural ball skills and finished his career with 13 interceptions. As a run defender, he has the downfield burst and takes proper angles to the ball carrier.

Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami

When talking about natural safeties, Kinchens may have the range in this draft class. He covers a lot of real estate in the backend. Over the past two seasons, the Miami safety picked off 11 passes and broke up 11 more. He understands route combinations and has good field vision. While he’s a willing participant in run support, he’s prone to the occasional whiff (24 missed tackles over the past two seasons). 

Javon Bullard, DB, Georgia

Bullard has the toolkit to be a high-end hybrid defensive back. A former track athlete, Bullard recorded four interceptions and eight pass deflections over the past two seasons. He has the fluidity and short-area quickness to line up in the slot and the range to cover the backend. He flies downhill in run support and packs a little punch when he arrives. 

Calen Bullock, S, USC

The USC safety may have the most natural ball skills of any safety in this draft class. He plays the ball like a wide receiver and finished his career at USC with nine interceptions and 15 pass deflections. He has disciplined eyes and covers a lot of real estate. His poor tackling may keep him off Green Bay’s board. 

Beau Brade, DB, Maryland

The Maryland product brings a versatile skill set. He can play in the box, in the slot or high. He has a quick trigger coming downhill, but will need to clean up his tackling (35 missed tackles over the past two seasons). He has good field vision and is an explosive mover.

Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, DB, Texas Tech

The Texas Tech defensive back has a radar for the football. Over the past three seasons, Taylor-Demerson has picked off 10 passes and recorded 33 pass deflections. He has true centerfield range and a high football IQ with good route instincts. Taylor-Demerson has outstanding closing burst when he attacks downhill against the run.

Malik Mustapha, DB, Wake Forest

If Hafley wants a defensive back that plays with his hair on fire, he may fall in love with Mustapha. He’s as tough as nails and flies downhill in run support. He plays with a thumper mentality and lays the wood upon arrival. The Wake Forest defensive back is at his best coming downhill, he has enough range to play in the backend.

Sione Vaki, DB, Utah

Another player that plays like his hair is on fire. The Utah defensive back is a heat-seeking missile and he wants to knock you into another dimension. He’s an explosive athlete and is quick to process the action in front of him. He’s a versatile prospect who can wear multiple hats in Hafley’s defense.

Cole Bishop, S, Utah

The Utah safety is at his best playing closer to the line of scrimmage, but he’s capable of filling multiple roles for a defense. Whether he’s playing in the slot, in the box or deep, Bishop is always around the football. 

Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State

Like Bishop, Hicks is at his best playing closer to the line of scrimmage. That doesn’t mean he can’t roam the middle of Hafley’s defense. Hicks is an active run defender and explodes downhill to meet the ball carrier. Line him up in the box, in the slot or deep, it doesn’t matter, the physicality that Hicks plays with is exactly what Green Bay’s defense needs. He’s another safety who plays with a relentless energy that Hafley is looking for as he looks to build this defense. 

Josh Proctor, S, Ohio State

Hafley coached Proctor during the 2019 season at Ohio State. Talk to anybody around that covered Ohio State this past season and they’ll tell you Proctor was one of the leaders on that defense. He’s a cerebral player who is a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none type prospect. He’s just a well-rounded player that can wear multiple hats.

2024 NFL mock draft: Updated Ravens first-round projections ahead of free agency

We’re looking at updated 2024 NFL mock draft roundups and the Baltimore Ravens are projected to land wide receiver Keon Coleman

Baltimore will look to regroup after exiting the playoffs via a disastrous AFC title game loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Chiefs.

The Ravens are 20th in the NFL in cap space, with $7.3 million available, and there will be critical decisions regarding several vital contributors and two All-Pros. And they’re spending about $120+ million plus on the offensive side of the football.

Baltimore also has 29 players scheduled to hit free agency, and some tough decisions will be made regarding who returns to Baltimore.

With the new league year and free agency fast approaching, we’re looking at an updated mock draft roundup for the Ravens.

2024 NFL mock draft: Updated Ravens first-round projections after the Senior Bowl

We’re looking at updated 2024 NFL mock draft roundups and the Baltimore Ravens are projected to land Darius Robinson

The Ravens are looking to regroup after exiting the playoffs via a disastrous 17-10 loss to the Chiefs in the AFC title game.

The Ravens are 20th in the NFL in cap space, with $7.3 million available, and there will be critical decisions regarding several vital contributors and two All-Pros. And they’re spending about $120+ million plus on the offensive side of the football.

Baltimore also has 29 players scheduled to hit free agency, and some tough decisions will be made regarding who returns to Baltimore.

With the Reese’s Senior Bowl complete and draft coverage set to begin, we’re looking at an updated mock draft roundup for the Ravens.

Texans 4-round mock draft, 1.0: Post-Senior Bowl edition

Following the Senior Bowl, John Crumpler unveils his latest four-round Texans mock draft.

The Super Bowl may be on Sunday but for the rest of the NFL world, it is all systems go on the offseason.

The Houston Texans have already begun work on their 2024 NFL draft class at the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., and the Shrine Bowl last week. The next event will come soon with the NFL Combine in Indianapolis at the end of the month.

Last week, the Texans Wire was on scene at the Senior Bowl and did a mock exclusively with the players who showed out at this event. Today, this mock will examine all draft eligible players for a four-round mock draft.

2024 NFL draft: 6 defensive players for Chargers to watch at Senior Bowl

Here are six defensive players to keep an eye on for the Chargers at the Senior Bowl.

The pre-draft process leading up to the 2024 NFL draft is headed to Mobile, AL, for the Senior Bowl. This event is one of the biggest college football all-star games featuring the country’s most prolific prospects.

This week will draw the attention of many Chargers’ scouts to do their homework on players that could potentially be suitors for Los Angeles come April.

L.A. has selected 16 players in the past four years that have participated in the Senior Bowl, including Justin Herbert.

It all starts with three days of practice and, finally, the game on Saturday.

That said, here are six potential targets to keep an eye out for on the defensive side of the ball.

10 players to watch on Reese’s Senior Bowl American team’s defense

From Missouri CB Kris Abrams-Draine to Texas DT T’Vondre Sweat, 10 players to watch on the Reese’s Senior Bowl American team’s defense

The Reese’s Senior Bowl is here and Mobile is going to be rocking with the 100+ NFL draft prospects coming into South Alabama’s Hancock Whitney Stadium.

Vikings Wire will have boots on the ground as managing editor Tyler Forness will be there in person to watch these players duke it out in front of scouts and analysts alike.

On the American team, the biggest names are on the offensive side of the ball, but this is a homage to the top names on the defensive side.

 

Browns land explosive WR, new safety in DraftWire’s latest 2024 NFL mock draft

The Browns land a new playmaker in this mock draft…

The Cleveland Browns have needs in the secondary and at wide receiver, which is why one 2024 NFL mock draft slotted Washington’s Ja’Lynn Polk and Georgia’s Javon Bullard to them.

In DraftWire’s latest mock draft written by Curt Popejoy, the dynamic Washington receiver landed with the Browns with the 55th overall pick in the draft. They then got the Georgia safety in the third round.

Polk broke out with the Huskies this year, amassing 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns. He is a potential first round pick in a deep class of wide receivers. So there is a chance that he could slip to the Browns.

Bullard experienced a nice season with the Bulldogs as well, racking up 56 tackles, one tackle for loss, and two interceptions.

However, with all of Juan Thornhill, Grant Delpit, and Ronnie Hickman under contract for the future, a safety on Day 2 of the draft is not a likely option for the Browns to pursue.

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Georgia DB accepts invitation to the Senior Bowl

Georgia Bulldogs safety Javon Bullard to play in the Senior Bowl

Standout Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Javon Bullard, who is entering the 2024 NFL draft, has accepted an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl. The Senior Bowl will be played on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Javon Bullard was named as defensive MVP of the College Football Playoff semifinals and national championship game in 2022.

Bullard is projected to be one of the top safeties in the 2024 NFL draft. The junior defensive back recorded 56 total tackles and two interceptions in his final season with the Bulldogs. This is the first year where the Senior Bowl will allow juniors to play in the prestigious all-star game.

Georgia center Sedrick Van Pran, long snapper William Mote, wide receiver Ladd McConkey, defensive back Tykee Smith, and wide receiver Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint have all accepted invitations to the 2024 Senior Bowl.

Georgia will miss Javon Bullard in 2024, but the Bulldogs are expected to return sophomore safety Malaki Starks next season, so Georgia should still have a prolific safeties room. David Daniel-Sisavanh and Joenel Aguero are top candidates to start opposite Starks in 2024.

Javon Bullard is one of over 10 Georgia Bulldogs to declare for the NFL draft.

Star Georgia Bulldogs DB to enter 2024 NFL draft

Georgia Bulldogs safety Javon Bullard announces his NFL draft plans

Star Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Javon Bullard is entering the NFL draft. Bullard was named as defensive MVP of the College Football Playoff semifinals and national championship game last season.

Bullard is projected to be one of the top safeties in the 2024 NFL draft. The junior defensive back recorded 56 total tackles and two interceptions in his final season with the Bulldogs.

Georgia will miss Javon Bullard in 2024, but the Bulldogs are expected to return sophomore safety Malaki Starks next season, so Georgia should still have a prolific safeties room.

Javon Bullard announced his plans to enter the NFL draft and thanked the University of Georgia for the time he spent in Athens via social media:

https://www.instagram.com/p/C1hhPYXOQGZ/

Javon Bullard is the first of many Georgia Bulldogs to announce his intentions to enter the NFL draft.

Pair of star Georgia defenders to play in Orange Bowl

Pair of star Georgia defenders to play in Orange Bowl

Georgia football received good news ahead of the Orange Bowl matchup against Florida State when star defensive backs Javon Bullard and Kamari Lassiter announced their intentions to play against Florida State on Saturday.

Both have NFL decisions to make, but instead of opting out, which has become the norm during bowl season, Bullard and Lassiter will play at least one more game in a Georgia uniform.

This is a testament to the culture Kirby Smart has built in Athens. His players continue to make decisions that, on the surface, appear to be selfless attempts to represent the University of Georgia by supporting their teammates.

On the flip side, the Seminoles will be without more than 20 players that helped secure an ACC title and 13-0 season.

Kickoff against Florida State is set for 4 p.m. ET from Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. The game will air on ESPN.