GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - The Packers defense took big steps in year one under Jeff Hafley. Now the defensive coordinator wants to see the unit evolve in year two.
Green Bay finished the season sixth in total defense. Their first time being in the top ten when it comes to yards allowed since 2010 (5th).
Playing at that level is not just a benchmark for Hafley, but rather the jumping off point they are trying to get to during the offseason.
“In a perfect world, you want to get back to where you left off as fast as possible, and build from there. So, how fast can we do that? We have guys that have played in the system. We have some new pieces we need to add. We need to evolve. We can’t just do the same thing. Say here’s the play book, this is what we’re running. No, we’re a different team. It’s a different year. Offenses are going to evolve, we have to evolve,” said Hafley.
The defensive coordinator conceding their will be changes with plenty of new faces on the roster.
General manager Brian Gutekunst adding a pair of edge rushers, Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver, during the draft. As well as signing free agent cornerback Nate Hobbs.
The biggest question surrounding the Packers defense right now is in regard to corner Jaire Alexander.
A report by ESPN’s Rob Demovsky in late April said all options remain on the table in terms of the future of the two-time All-Pro cornerback.
The Packers could still trade, release or keep Alexander on the roster.
Hafley was asked on Monday while meeting with reporters what having Alexander as part of the defense does for the unit.
“Yeah, I think we’ll leave that one up to see what happens, rather than talk any hypotheticals. To answer that fairly. I respect the question, and I hope you respect my answer on that one. I’d rather not talk about hypotheticals. Whenever everything pans out, and we figure out whose here, we will do the very best we can and put them in great positions, and making plays and when I find out we’ll do that,” said Hafley.
**STENAVICH GIVES JENKINS UPDATE**
Also missing during the offseason program is offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins.
Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said Jenkins’ absence is due to other reasons besides moving from guard to center.
Green Bay signed guard Aaron Banks in free agency. Prompting the Packers to move Jenkins to center to fill the spot left by the departure of Josh Myers.
There will also be plenty of competition across the line this year. Head coach Matt LaFleur saying Rasheed Walker and Jordan Morgan will compete for the left tackle spot.
Competition does not stop on the left side of the line according to Stenavich, though.
“A lot of competition there, at both tackle positions. We try to find our best five are however it shakes out. Left tackle, right tackle, obviously right guard position. There’s a lot of good competition. I think the guys we’ve added, plus the guys getting older, getting more experience, it’s going to be interesting to see how this all kind of shakes out,” said Stenavich.
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