Report: Green Bay Packers defensive rookies standing out through early training camp practices

Two Green Bay Packers defensive rookies – Kalen King and Evan Williams – are playing like veterans at the start of training camp. According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, the two defensive backs each came up with an interception while the team was taking part in 11-on-11 action.

King intercepted a Jordan Love pass that was intended for Christian Watson. Demovsky also said that the Penn State alum nearly had another interception during the same practice. Williams recorded his third interception after picking off a pass from backup QB Sean Clifford. He is competing with fellow rookie Javon Bullard for the starting safety spot.

“They haven’t thrown too much onto our plate where we’re on the field and kind of our heads are reeling and we’re kind of spinning around,” Williams said.

King was selected by the Packers in the seventh round of the draft. He joined Green Bay after being named to the All-Big Ten Second Team last year. Williams was drafted in the fourth round and joined the Packers after being selected to the All-Pac-12 Second Team last season.

More on Packers rookies Kalen King and Evan Williams

Shortly after King was drafted, he talked about getting an opportunity with the Packers. “I’m glad they took a chance on me and I’m happy to be here,” the Penn State alum, per the Packers’ official website. “I’m just approaching every day like a pro, taking coaching, asking as many questions as possible, learning from the veterans and when I get my opportunity, just maximizing it. Just being accountable and being dependable, really. That’s it.”

Williams, an Oregon alum, seems to be making plays at camp because he adjusted to the terminology of the defense quickly. “I’m already familiar with what’s going on, it’s just changing the terminology,” Williams said during the Packers minicamp, per the the team’s official website. “So it’s not like too much mental strain on me. I’m just going over the new communication as much as I can.”

King and Williams are looking to help strengthen a defense that finished ninth in the league in pass defense last year. In January, Green Bay hired Jeff Hafley as the team’s defensive coordinator. He previously served as the head coach of Boston College and helped the Eagles rank third nationally in passing defense in 2021.

King and Williams will look to make an impact during their NFL debuts when the Packers take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, Sept. 6. The game will be played in Arena Corinthians in Brazil.