The Green Bay Packers chose to part ways with 29-year-old Aaron Jones this offseason. The experienced running back will turn 30 at the end of the 2024 season. After Jones refused to accept yet another big salary reduction, the Packers opted to let him go. Jones decided to join with one of the Packers’ main rivals, the Minnesota Vikings, in a matter of days.
Packers supporters were devastated by the decision, as Jones had become one of the fan favorites in Green Bay over the years. However, signing with the Vikings immediately made him public enemy number one among many of those supporters.
The Packers have now sealed the fate of the Jones era in Green Bay.
The Packers picked Evan Williams, a safety from the University of Oregon, in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft. During his career at Oregon, Williams wore No. 33, which the Packers instantly assigned him.
Because he had no intention of leaving Green Bay, the former UTEP product may have taken it worse.
Evan Williams may be asked to play an important role for the Packers.
Williams joins a club in serious need of a makeover at the Safety position. After losing both Darnell Savage and Jonathan Owens, the Packers needed a lot of new talent at the position.
The Packers did not hesitate to do exactly that. Signing free agency standout Xavier McKinney was only the beginning. The Packers also selected three safeties in the draft: Javon Bullard, Evan Williams, and Kitan Oladapo. Dane Brugler’s official scouting report on Williams is as follows:
iams, and Kitan Oladapo. Dane Brugler’s official scouting report of Williams is as folllows:
“A one-year starter at Oregon, Williams was a versatile safety in head coach Dan Lanning’s balanced scheme. After four years at Fresno State, he transferred to Eugene for the 2023 season and led the Ducks in tackles, finishing his college career with 45 starts.
Although he has the size of a free safety, Williams has the mentality of a box safety, with his disciplined run support and eagerness to drop the hammer. Though he reacts well to front-facing throws, he has a tough time locating the ball downfield, and his coverage busts lead to big plays for the offense.
Overall, Williams doesn’t have playmaking instincts in the deep half of the field, but he is an energetic field presence with a trigger and toughness that are easy to appreciate. He projects as a backup strong safety and core special teamer in the mold of Alohi Gilman.”
