Packers Top 30: Evan Williams Lands at #11 for 2026

Green Bay’s Disappointing 2025 Recap

The 2025 season proved to be a stark let‑down for the Packers after a busy offseason that added star defensive end Micah Parsons just ten days before the opener. Despite a 9‑3‑1 start and a roster built to contend, Green Bay finished 9‑8‑1 and slipped to the NFC’s No. 7 seed. The postseason collapse was especially painful: a 21‑3 halftime lead against the Chicago Bears evaporated as the Bears scored 25 fourth‑quarter points, delivering a 31‑27 loss.

Late‑game resiliency problems defined the year. The Packers surrendered double‑digit leads in the final minutes twice against Chicago and once versus Cleveland, going 0‑3 in those contests. The odds of losing all three were once quoted as 1‑in‑250,000, yet the Packers made it happen. A five‑game losing streak sealed the season, leaving the franchise with the league’s fourth‑longest losing streak entering 2026.

Free‑agency losses and the absence of a first‑round draft pick will make rebuilding a challenge, but the roster still features emerging talent. Safety Evan Williams, rated the team’s No. 11 most important player heading into training camp (July 29), is set to play a pivotal role in turning the tide.

Williams’ standout 2025 campaign

This season was a career‑defining year for Williams. He appeared in all 16 games and started a career‑high 15, recording 89 tackles (47 solo), four tackles for loss, three interceptions, a fumble recovery, five passes defensed, and three quarterback pressures. He led the Packers with three interceptions and became the first player since Cleveland’s Devin Bush to tally at least 85 tackles, four TFL, three INTs, and a fumble recovery.

Williams also joined the elite ranks of Packers defenders by hitting the same statistical thresholds that A.J. Hawk achieved in 2010. He became the first Packer since 2000 to amass 100+ tackles, four interceptions, and five tackles for loss across his first two NFL seasons, while also tying for fifth on the team with 11 special‑teams tackles.

His rookie year (2024) showed promise: six starts in 13 games, 47 tackles, one interception, a forced fumble, and three passes defensed. Injuries—hamstring, quad, and a concussion—cost him four games and two incomplete performances, but he still earned PFWA All‑Rookie honors.

What the Numbers Reveal

Pro Football Focus gave Williams an overall grade of 69.0, placing him 32nd among 98 qualified safeties. His coverage grade of 62.0 sits at 44th, while his run‑defense grade of 82.4 ranks him 10th in the league. Those figures underline his role as a solid connector in passing schemes and a credible run supporter.

Williams’ 89 tackles and three interceptions made him one of the few defensive backs to produce at both the hit and turnover levels, a combination that has become increasingly rare in today’s pass‑heavy NFL. His three quarterback pressures also add a pass‑rush element rarely seen from a safety.

Despite his statistical success, he missed four games and two additional contests where he could not finish, highlighting the durability questions that still cling to his game. Recovery from those injuries will be crucial for him to maintain this level in 2026.

Quotes from the Field

“I think it’s grown a lot, and I think you’re going to see it at its peak, especially this year… we’ve been able to play with each other for a couple years. So he knows how I work, I know how he works, and we have kind of those tendencies with each other.” — Safety Xavier McKinney on his chemistry with Williams

“I definitely pride myself on my physicality… Can he tackle? Can he tackle in the open field? … I hang my hat on being a physical safety when I need to be.” — Williams on his strengths

“He’s a ballhawk and he’s got a nose for the football, he’s really intelligent, he can anticipate things. It’s like having another coach on the field.” — Head Coach Matt LaFleur on Williams

Why Williams Matters for 2026

Williams is already viewed as one of the brightest young safeties on the roster, praised by coaches from Day 1 for his football IQ, tackling, instincts, and hands. With two solid seasons under his belt, the expectation is that he can take the next step and become a cornerstone of Green Bay’s defense.

His ability to combine run support, coverage, and pass disruption makes him a versatile piece in a defensive scheme that will likely emphasis 多方位（多方位 meaning multi‑dimensional） coverage after the recent struggles. If he can stay healthy and build on his 2025 production, Williams could be the defensive catalyst the Packers need to end their losing streak and push back into playoff contention.

The Top 30 Countdown Continues

Williams’ ranking sits at No. 11 in the ongoing series that will ultimately highlight the 30 most important Packers for the 2026 campaign. The list will progress from the top performers down to the up‑and‑coming talent, giving fans a roadmap of who to watch this season.

Stay tuned for the next entries in the series as we break down every key player set to shape the Packers’ future.