Green Bay Packers Jeff Hafley Speaks On Xavier McKinney

The Green Bay Packers defense is going to look a lot different in 2024 with Jeff Hafley taking over and his newest weapon, safety Xavier McKinney. Hafley is replacing Joe Barry, who was the defensive coordinator for three underwhelming seasons and is now the linebackers coach and run game coordinator for the Miami Dolphins.

Jeff Hafley will be introducing a totally new scheme, as he plays a 4-3 base compared to the 3-4 Barry ran. There will be an adjustment period as some players get used to new positions and a few new faces are part of the unit.

One of those new faces is Xavier McKinney, who signed a four-year, $67 million contract in free agency. He had a very strong 2023 season with the New York Giants, playing every snap for the team and filling a multitude of roles.

That versatility will be key for the Green Bay Packers. McKinney is capable of playing free safety with strong ball skills or providing support as a run defender. He has experience playing coverage in the slot as well, as he lined up all over New York’s defense.

For what Hafley is looking to do with the secondary, McKinney should fit like a glove. The new defensive coordinator recently had a press conference where he spoke highly of the team’s prized safety acquisition.

“It’s been so nice to have X. What a pro. How hard he works, the communication, the way he is in the meeting rooms, the way he looks out for the younger guys. That’s the stuff you don’t see. We think he can do all those things (at safety), and he’s shown that he can. You don’t find out about somebody and who they are until they get here. That’s made us the happiest. Great pro, great attitude, great effort. He’s done a great job so far, excited to have him here and see him grow in the scheme. I think it’s our job to put him in position to make a lot of things happen. It’s been fun to see everything that he can do and how quickly he can learn. I’m really glad we have him.” (H/T Packers Wire)