Green Bay Packers safety Evan Williams has All-Pro potential as he is entering his third NFL season. CBS Sports Senior Columnist Pete Prisco was at Packers training camp recently, and one of his biggest takeaways was that Williams could flash in the new Jonathan Gannon defense.
Prisco noted that a new three-safety look could allow the team to disguise coverages and make up for the lack of pressure without Micah Parsons. Williams could be the one who takes advantage.
Green Bay Packers Defense is Setting up For Evan Williams Breakout in 2026
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)Evan Williams #33 of the Green Bay Packers
Prisco mentioned the three-safety look, which has been the talk of training camp. Xavier McKinney broke down the success of the grouping and why the team plans to use it more when talking with Stacey Dales of NFL Network.
Essentially, they keep the same defensive personnel as their nickel unit. However, Javon Bullard is no longer staying in the slot. He can play slot, but he will more prominently shift into a three-safety look.
By shifting Bullard from the slot back to safety, the team is able to move McKinney and Williams more freely around the line of scrimmage.
Now, based on the matchup, they can get bigger bodies in the slot. Or, they can load up the box with their more physical safeties.
Williams has primarily been a free safety in his NFL career, with McKinney playing closer to the box. However, now that they are going to move the two around, it will lead to Williams playing tighter to the line more often. That is the easiest way for a player to add to their stat sheet.
So, if Williams sees an improvement in production and he is flying around in a versatile role, the NFL spectators will notice. This could lead to an All-Pro type of season.
Packers Have High Expectations for Evan Williams
Williams was a fourth-round pick who went 111th in the 2024 NFL Draft. For his draft slot, he is already one of the best picks in that class. He started just six games during his rookie year, but added an interception and a forced fumble.
He flashed enough to get thrown into the starting lineup in his second NFL season. Williams blossomed. He produced 100 tackles, three interceptions, and four tackles for loss.
Now, the expectation is for him to build on that season. He is entering his third NFL season, his second season as a starter, and his first as a strong fit in the Jonathan Gannon group.
If Williams has a good season in 2026, the team is going to have to start to talk extension with him. He will be a free agent at the end of the 2027 season, and they will want to have him signed by then. If Williams has a big year, and the last thing they see before extending him is an All-Pro caliber season, then he is going to earn a significant salary. This is a huge year for Williams.
CBS Sr. Writer Predicts All-Pro Season for Packers Defender