Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Evan Williams (33) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
I thought maybe the Packers would trade up in the fourth round to get Washington State safety Jaden Hicks, but instead Brian Gutekunst moved up to get a different Pac-12 safety. The cost wasn’t big — the Packers used one of the picks gained by trading down in the second round to move up here. Williams has experience playing deep, in the box and in the slot, so he fits the versatility demands of the safety position. He also had vast experience on special teams (almost 500 career snaps, two blocked kicks) and was voted a top safety at the Senior Bowl. The Packers think Javon Bullard will play safety but it’s possible Williams will get a shot to be the long-term starter next to Xavier McKinney if Bullard becomes more of a slot player in Jeff Hafley’s defense.
