The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.
While speaking to Packers.com at the NFL Scouting Combine, Brian Gutekunst mentioned that he wants his safeties to be versatile.
“It really helps your defense to be multiple and flexible so teams can’t get a bead on what you’re doing,” Gutekunst said. “So, in a perfect world, quite frankly, between the two safeties and the nickel, those three guys almost need to be interchangeable completely.”
A player capable of wearing multiple hats that the Green Bay Packers could target in the 2024 NFL Draft is Evan Williams. The Oregon safety checks in at No. 67 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
During his four seasons at Fresno State, Williams recorded 226 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, four interceptions and 12 pass deflections.
This past season in Eugene, Williams recorded 82 tackles, five tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He built off that strong season with an impressive week in Mobile at the Senior Bowl.
“Evan Williams was a big part of the Oregon defense this year, mainly for his tackling ability and knack for always being in on the play,” Zachary Neel, the managing editor of Duckswire.com, said. “While his coverage can certainly improve, he was consistently in on every play and proved to be one of the more valuable pieces on the defense.”
Williams is a player capable of wearing multiple hats. He has the short-area quickness to man the slot and he has the range to play deep. During his collegiate career, Williams logged 604 snaps in the slot and 960 snaps at safety.
As a run defender, Williams runs the alley with urgency. He plays with a relentless motor and shows excellent pursuit speed with outstanding range as a run defender. He is eager to throw his weight around. The former Fresno State defensive back is rarely out of his position and always seems to be in on the action.
“I think one of Williams’ biggest assets is physicality and ability to tackle in open space,” Neel said. “He has a keen nose for the football and always seems to be in on the play. Williams was very good in run defense this past season, often coming up into the box and on the flats to make tackles.”
Williams is a highly instinctive player and is quick to read routes and takes proper angles to get from point A to point B quickly. He trusts his field vision, which allows him to play fast and under control. He is quick to get to the receiver and get them on the ground to limit YAC.
“Williams was pretty good about being in the right spot when it came to covering receivers downfield,” Nell said. “His ball skills need to improve so he can be a more impactful player in the passing game.”
During his collegiate career, Williams logged 466 snaps on special teams and recorded five tackles.
Fit with the Packers
With Darnell Savage Jr, Jonathan Owens and Rudy Ford all set to hit the open market this offseason, the Packers will need an infusion of talent at safety.
Gutekunst wants his defensive backs to be versatile and Williams is capable of playing in the slot and deep.
“I think Williams had a great career at Fresno State, and then he proved that he could still produce at a high level when stepping up on a bigger field in his one season with the Ducks,” Neel said. “He is a gamer, and someone who is going to be among the hardest-working players on the roster.”
With his versatility, competitive toughness, instincts and special teams experience, Williams would be an attractive target for the Packers on Day 3 of the draft as they look to round out their safety room.