Packers safety Javon Bullard’s rookie season was a bit of a learning experience.
New Packers defensive coordinator deployed the former Gerogia standout at safety, linebacker, and even at cornerback, yet the former second-round draft choice still found a way to be productive and ultimately found a home at safety, alongside Xavier McKinney.
“Adapt to sudden change,” Bullard told reporters back in January, when asked to sum up his first NFL season as he cleaned out his locker a day after the playoff loss to Philadelphia. “It’s probably what I’m most proud of about myself. Moving around in the back end, playing multiple positions and producing at each position, I feel like that’s probably one of my strong points.”
Last season, Bullard finished with 90 total tackles, one fumble recovery, and one pass breakup, but could be in for an expanded role with the opportunity to be even more productive in 2025.
Javon Bullard a Top Breakout Candidate for Packers
Over at Heavy Sports, Jordan Wilson suggests that Bullard could be a top breakout candidate for Green Bay.
“In 2025,” Wilson writes for Heavy. “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.”
In a defense where one of Bullard’s fellow rookies, Edgerrin Cooper, garnered All-Pro votes, and playing alongside Xavier McKinney, the stage could be set for Bullard to elevate his game even from what he showed as a rookie.
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