The Green Bay Packers are aiming to take the next step as a defense this season after touting a top-10 unit under first-year coordinator Jeff Hafley in 2024.
That’s easier said than done after the Packers released two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander earlier this month. Then again, their secondary has spent the majority of the past two seasons without Alexander available. The team also added veteran Nate Hobbs in free agency to work alongside Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine.
The Packers also need more out of their defensive line in 2025. They have first-round picks at every starting position, but they lacked a consistent pass-rushing presence last year as established players struggled, at times, to find their footing in Hafley’s system.
With competitions on the horizon, here’s a look at the top three breakout candidates for the Packers on defense in 2025 ahead of the start of training camp:
Devonta Wyatt, DT
GettyPackers defensive tackle Devonta Wyatt.
Wyatt has been a quiet impact player for the Packers in his first three seasons, tallying 12 sacks, 15 tackles for a loss and 23 quarterback hits and proving dangerously effective in terms of his ability to win pass-rushing matchups. Still, the 27-year-old has not quite fully unlocked his first-round potential and could have a golden opportunity to do so in 2025 with the Packers seeking more punch from the pass rush of their defensive front.
There has been a disconnect between Wyatt’s success in individual matchups and his total pass-rushing production for the Packers, but a second season in Hafley’s system could work wonders for his comfort level. He will also continue to work alongside a Pro Bowl veteran in Kenny Clark, who commands significant attention from offensive lines. While Wyatt could let his moment slip by, his progression as a pass rusher over the past two seasons makes it far more likely he seizes it and emerges as a true interior threat.
Edgerrin Cooper, LB
GettyPackers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper.
Including Cooper on the list after his impressive rookie season might be cheating, but that only speaks to the greater heights he can still achieve for the Packers in the 2025 season. The 2024 second-round pick shined in his first 14 games, notching 87 tackles with 3.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, four pass deflections, an interception, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He also achieved his production despite playing fewer than 40% of defensive snaps in his first five games and missing three more with injuries.
Now, Cooper heads into the new season with expectations that the Packers will lean on him more heavily out of the gates in 2025 and “impact playmaker” written all over him. The system familiarity with Hafley’s defense should also help him continue his ascent. So long as he keeps his body right and continues to make use of his strong nose for the ball, it is not unrealistic to think that Cooper could push for All-Pro status in 2025.
Javon Bullard, DB
GettyPackers defensive back Javon Bullard.
Bullard had a lot thrown on his plate during his 2024 rookie season, moving between multiple positions from Week 1 and playing 786 total defensive snaps over 15 games. He also dealt with bouts of inconsistency in his coverage regardless of whether he was playing at free safety or slot cornerback, though he showed up well as a run defender.
In 2025, though, Bullard could have a sneaky opportunity to become one of the Packers’ most impactful players in the secondary if he locks down the slot cornerback role. The team signed Hobbs, a veteran nickel player, to their roster in free agency, but he is more likely to play on the perimeter in a rotation with Nixon and Valentine, which could give Bullard a clean shot at winning the role and finding his niche as a physical defender — especially considering all eyes will be on the Packers’ cornerbacks heading into 2025.
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