The 2024 Green Bay Packers defense delivered their best EPA per play performance since the Super Bowl team of 2010. They ranked in the top ten for EPA/pass and EPA/rush, as well as takeaways, despite missing Jaire Alexander for most of the season and struggling to maintain a consistent pass rush.

Green Bay allowed their second-lowest points per game since 2011. Their success stemmed from a few key factors, with one of the most significant being Jeff Hafley’s ability to revitalize the run defense. Additionally, the signing of Xavier McKinney proved to be a home run by General Manager Brian Gutekunst. McKinney was arguably the team’s MVP in 2024, starting all 17 games and recording 88 combined tackles (60 solo), 11 pass deflections, a career-high eight interceptions, and a fumble recovery, earning First-Team All-Pro honors.

Heading into Year 2 with Green Bay, expectations will be even higher for Xavier McKinney and the rest of the defense. Reflecting that rise in stature, Pro Football Network’s Jacob Infante named McKinney as Green Bay’s Defensive Player of the Year candidate for the 2025 season,

“Xavier McKinney had been one of the better starting safeties in the NFL during his stint in New York. Once he signed with the Green Bay Packers, though, his play rose to a whole new level,” Infante wrote.

“With eight interceptions and 11 pass deflections, McKinney had elite production in an All-Pro 2024 campaign,” Infante added. “He finished eighth in DPOY voting last year, and if he is to rise in the rankings this season, similar production will be necessary.”

Last year, Xavier McKinney recorded as many interceptions as the entire Packers’ safety room had combined over the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He was the glue that held the secondary together and played a key role in the development of rookies Evan Williams and Javon Bullard. If all three can stay healthy, Green Bay has the potential to field a borderline top safety group in the NFL.

McKinney was one of three Packers to make the Pro Bowl last season. He was also one of only two defensive players to earn the honor—joining defensive end Rashan Gary. He is the most valuable player on Green Bay’s defense, and if the unit is going to elevate from good to great in 2025, it will likely start with McKinney continuing to lead the secondary.