Javon Bullard had a peculiar rookie season. In 2024, he was one of only five defensive backs to log at least 250 snaps both in the slot and at free safety – and the first rookie to do so since 2007.
Bullard had his share of struggles in coverage. He gave up a passer rating of 105 or higher in seven games, including a perfect 158.3 against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17. However, context is important in the Vikings game. He was returning from injury and had spent the entire week practicing in the slot. He had to switch roles mid-game after Zayne Anderson left with a concussion, which didn’t do him any favors.
Still, Bullard looked most comfortable when he played near the line of scrimmage. That’s where his instincts, physicality, and ability to disrupt plays downhill really showed up.
Javon Bullard fights off the block to make an excellent tackle 👏
📺: #GBvsPHI on FOX
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/tTvtxIWBhd
— NFL (@NFL) January 12, 2025
Jeff Hafley praised Bullard after the Packers took him last year.
Loved his tape. Loved the way he played, loved the playstyle. Loved the versatility,
He’s a physical guy. He can run. He can cover. He can play deep. He can play in the slot. He can blitz. He’s bigger when you see him. He’s thick, strong. The best part of it is, you don’t really know what you’re getting until you get into a meeting room with him.
He’s a sharp guy. His ability to learn and process during those two days was impressive. When you get a guy who can play that fast and can take what he learned in the meeting room and bring it out onto the field, and he’s got a chance. Small little glimpse of what we’re going to get when they get here, but excited to have him.
It will be interesting to see how the Packers deploy Bullard in their 4-3 personnel this season. He may not open the year as a starter, with Nate Hobbs and Keisean Nixon playing on the outside and Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams holding down the safety spots.
However, in second-and-medium or third-and-long situations, Bullard could rotate in as a linebacker alongside Edgerrin Cooper or Quay Walker, allowing him to strengthen coverage at the second level.
When Green Bay shifts to a 4-2-5 nickel package, Bullard should take over the slot role. Evan Williams was one of the top rookie safeties last season and deserves increased playing time moving forward. Still, Hobbs complicates the situation because he spent most of his career playing as a slot corner in Las Vegas.
That opens the door for an alternate secondary configuration. Carrington Valentine and Keisean Nixon could play on the outside, Hobbs in the slot, and McKinney and Williams at safety, potentially pushing Bullard into a rotational role rather than a full-time presence.
Hafley is a strong supporter of Bullard. As a former Bulldog, Bullad can play every position in the secondary. His versatility is undeniable, making him a valuable asset for Green Bay’s defense.
Javon Bullard was asked how many spots in the secondary he thinks he can play.
“I don’t think — I know I can play all three positions in the secondary.”
Gutekunst said at the combine he wants his safeties to be able to play all three spots, both safety positions and nickel.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) April 27, 2024
Still, it’s unlikely that he will lose playing time in 2025. More importantly, the Packers should allow him to settle into one position instead of constantly moving him around. The best way to unlock his full potential is by playing him near the box full-time, where his instincts and versatility allow him to make the biggest impact.