The Green Bay Packers used their first three picks in the 2024 NFL Draft to address positions of need after several players departed in free agency or were cut for salary cap purposes. Arizona offensive tackle Jordan Morgan was taken in the first round after Jon Runyan Jr. and Yosh Nijman departed in free agency. David Bakhtiari was released after three injury-riddled seasons.

With their first pick in the second round, the Packers drafted Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. New defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is switching the Green Bay defense from a 3-4 to a 4-3, meaning that the team will need more linebacker depth. This need increased with the release of De’Vondre Campbell earlier this season.

With their final pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Packers selected Georgia safety Javon Bullard. Prior to the draft, the Packers saw Darnell Savage and Jonathan Owens each sign with different teams.

The Scouting Report on Green Bay Packers Safety Javon Bullard

The scouting report on Bullard written by Lance Zierlein of NFL.com reads in part:

“Bullard isn’t a clean fit as a full-time nickel and might lack the length and range teams seek from a split safety, but he’s a good football player with the field awareness teams are looking for.

“He’s going to be a little tight with lateral movements, which will create some throwing windows and missed tackles from time to time, but his route recognition and angles of pursuit help to stabilize his play.

“There will be some challenging matchups, but Georgia’s provided the blueprint by playing him as a big nickel with run support and modest man cover duties — NFL teams would be wise to follow suit. With the right fit, Bullard should develop into a quality NFL starter.”

When asked by reporters what positions he thinks he can play in Green Bay, Bullard responded: ” I don’t think, I know I can play all three.”

The positions he was referring to were strong safety, free safety, and nickel corner.

Where Will Javon Bullard Fit in the Green Bay Packers Defense?

As mentioned previously, the Packers saw two safeties who played significant numbers of snaps on defense. Earlier this offseason, Green Bay did sign the best free agent safety, Xavier McKinney, on the market. Obviously, McKinney will slide in as an immediate starter on defense, and Bullard could join him in the defensive backfield.

All-Pro kick returner Keisean Nixon was the Packers’ starting nickel corner last season and signed a three-year contract to remain with the team in the near future. It really will be up to new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley on who plays where and how much.

That being said, the only other starting safety that is back in Green Bay from the 2023 season is Rudy Ford, who was originally signed by the Packers as a special teams ace. In other words, there is a starting job up for grabs for Bullard.

It would not be surprising to see him and McKinney making life difficult for opposing defenses as the Packers’ two starting safeties for the next four years.