The inaugural season with new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley was certainly a triumph for the Green Bay Packers. At times, it didn’t seem so, particularly when the Packers had a 1-5 record versus their rivals in the NFC North, yet the statistics paint a positive picture for Hafley’s group.
The Packers were placed sixth overall in yards allowed per game at 315.6. They boasted a passing defense ranked in the top 15 and a rushing defense placed seventh among all NFL teams, allowing only 99.4 yards per game on the ground. The Packers ranked sixth in points allowed per game, conceding 19.9 each match.
Those figures are astonishing when you consider the context. This was Hafley’s inaugural season in Green Bay following his departure from the head coaching position at Boston College to work under Matt LaFleur. It was the Packers’ initial season utilizing a 4-3 defensive strategy. They have consistently been a 3-4 team for many years, so being considered a top 10 defense while adapting to those changes is, honestly, remarkable.
Indeed, there are numerous aspects to appreciate regarding Hafley’s accomplishments in 2024, yet the Packers must continue to evolve and improve. This is particularly accurate regarding the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Chicago Bears — now featuring a fresh head coach in offensive genius Ben Johnson alongside Caleb Williams — all possessing potentially powerful offenses.
Green Bay General Manager Brian Gutekunst must provide Hafley with additional resources in 2025. Whether it’s through the 2025 NFL Draft or through free agency, striving to be the top defensive squad in the NFL is essential for the Packers.
Here are three players — two acquired via free agency and one via the draft — that the Packers should add in 2025.
D.J. Reed is essential for the Packers in the cornerback position.
Sauce Gardner is the prominent figure for the New York Jets, meaning that for numerous NFL enthusiasts, D.J. Reed might be somewhat overlooked.
Reed ought to rank very prominently on the Packers’ radar this offseason, however. They ought to utilize a significant portion of their $43.9 million in cap space to acquire him and strengthen the defensive secondary.
The Packers boast an impressive secondary with Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams stabilizing the unit, but former first-round selection Eric Stokes is set to become a free agent whom the Packers are expected to let go, while Jaire Alexander finds it difficult to stay healthy. There exists a scenario where he may not be with the team next season due to an escape clause in his contract.
Therefore, Reed could step in and serve as Green Bay’s CB1 immediately. He didn’t record an interception this season, but he did achieve 52 tackles and 11 pass deflections. Since joining the NFL as a fifth-round selection by the San Francisco 49ers in 2018, he has recorded six career interceptions. However, one could argue that he may find his rhythm if given the opportunity to be a key player in Green Bay’s secondary, particularly with McKinney and Williams supporting him.
Green concluded the 2024 season with 17 sacks, leading the country. His 22 tackles for loss ranked second in all of college football, and what the Packers currently require most is a player on the edge who can cause disruption to an offense on every single play.
Rashan Gary is talented, but he isn’t a superstar. Having someone like Green opposing him would be advantageous, and it’s clear that Hafley could become quite inventive with an athletic mix of Green, Gary, Edgerrin Cooper, and Quay Walker.
