The Green Bay Packers may do the same thing at safety this offseason as they did with the Outside Linebackers a few years back. In 2019, the Packers brought in Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith in one off-season to radically overhaul their pass rush. The Packers might double dip at the Safety position in 2024, either through multiple free agent additions or a combination of free agency and draft.
Today, news arose that the Packers have formally shown interest in one safety to pair with freshly acquired Xavier McKinney.
The Green Bay Packers have officially expressed interest in adding a safety to complement Xavier McKinney.
At the 2024 Shrine Bowl, the Packers had a formal meeting with Nebraska safety Omar Brown.
Omar Brown, Nebraska’s safety, had a successful 2023 season. Brown received Honorable Mention All Big Ten accolades for his 51 tackles and four pass breakups. During his collegiate football career, Brown helped the Cornhuskers defense allow only 303.5 yards per game, the program’s lowest season-log figure since entering the Big Ten.
In an exclusive conversation with The Draft Network, Brown discussed his experience at the East-West Shrine Bowl, his flexibility as a defensive back, which NFL teams are interested in him, and more.
JM: You were an outstanding performance at this year’s East-West Shrine Bowl. What do you believe you proved to the general managers and scouts in attendance?
Omar Brown: I believe I demonstrated that I am an all-around player. I was a loud leader in the Shrine Bowl. I attempted to be a remarkable man without overstepping. I went there to perform my duties at a high level. I demonstrated to the coaches and scouts what a complete player I am.
I provided coverage at the line of scrimmage. On the back end, I played as a single-high type. I felt at ease playing in numerous positions. I can play with any prospect.
JM: You won the weigh-in as well. You look like a rocked-up prospect. You stand 6 feet and weigh 201 pounds. On a game-by-game basis, how do you capitalize on your size and strength?
Omar Brown: I’m a larger safety. There’s always the matter of how larger-bodied safeties move around. This previous season, I was covering some of the other team’s quickest playmakers. I did what I had to do and locked them up.
I also came downhill and hit a few running backs. I believe I’m a versatile all-around player. I can guard quick players, but I can also crawl to the line of scrimmage and lay the wood.
JM: You most likely met with every team in attendance at Shrine. Did any of the team meetings stick out? Did you receive a good sense from any teams in particular?
Omar Brown: Each team I met with gave me a positive sense. A number of clubs inquired about my flexibility. I had fantastic interviews with each team. Everything went fine. I had excellent meetings with the Chiefs, Packers, and Broncos. The three meetings stood out.
We discussed Nebraska’s defense and my duties on certain plays. I had a good season. That is exactly who I am. You have to be yourself throughout those encounters. Lying or pretending to be someone you’re not is pointless.
Will the Packers address safety in the 2024 NFL draft?
In 2019, the Packers doubled down on the edge rusher position, signing Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith when there was a clear need. With the addition of Xavier McKinney, the Packers may try something similar at safety in 2024.
However, the draft is a very feasible way for the Packers to address safety as well. The Packers have been connected to many safeties in the early rounds of the 2024 draft, including Tyler Nubin, Kamren Kinchens, and Calen Bullock.
