Javon Bullard Is Turning Regret Into Reward for the Packers
For a while, Cooper DeJean looked like the one who got away.
Green Bay had multiple chances to snag the Iowa standout in the 2024 NFL Draft. A projected first-rounder who slipped into the second, DeJean was sitting there - available, versatile, and explosive. But when the Packers passed, and DeJean started making highlight-reel plays for the Eagles - including that pick-six against Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl - it was a tough pill to swallow in Wisconsin.
But fast forward to the present, and the narrative is shifting - fast. Because Javon Bullard is making sure Packers fans don’t have to look over their shoulders anymore.
Bullard’s Breakout: From Draft Day Doubts to Defensive Cornerstone
Let’s be clear: the frustration around missing DeJean was valid. He’s a rare athlete - a true Swiss Army knife in the secondary who can flip a game in the blink of an eye. But in that same second round, Green Bay landed two defenders who are now shaping the identity of this defense: linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and defensive back Javon Bullard.
And Bullard, in particular, is starting to look like a steal.
Playing primarily in the slot under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Bullard has been one of the most consistent performers on the field. He’s not just holding his own - he’s thriving.
His yards allowed per target have dropped from 8.5 last season to just 5.6 this year, a huge leap in efficiency that speaks to both improved technique and instincts. He’s flying to the ball, playing with physicality, and showing the kind of versatility coaches crave.
“I think Bull is one of our most valuable players,” Hafley said recently. “He’s hard to take off the field.
Someone asked me, ‘Why do you put him here? Why do you put him there?’
Because he’s the kind of guy who deserves to never come off the field.”
That’s high praise - and it’s earned.
A Culture Builder on Defense
Bullard’s rise isn’t just about stats. It’s about tone-setting.
He’s bringing energy and edge to a Packers defense that’s finding its identity. Every week, he’s showing up with that “dawg” mentality - the kind of player who doesn’t just do his job, but elevates the guys around him.
And he’s not alone. That same second round also produced Edgerrin Cooper, who’s been a force in the front seven. Add in fourth-round safety Evan Williams, who’s carved out a key role of his own, and suddenly, last year’s draft class is looking like a foundational haul for this defense.
No Need to Rewrite History
Let’s not twist it - Cooper DeJean is still a special player. The Eagles knew what they were doing when they jumped up to get him.
But the way Bullard is playing right now? Packers fans can breathe a little easier.
They didn’t just miss out - they built something of their own.
This isn’t about who’s better. It’s about fit, development, and impact. And Bullard is checking all the boxes.
For GM Brian Gutekunst, this is looking like a major win. For Jeff Hafley, it’s validation that his system is working and his guys are buying in. And for Packers fans, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the best answers aren’t the ones you expected - they’re the ones that show up every Sunday and make plays.
Bullard’s emergence is more than just a silver lining. It’s a sign that Green Bay’s defense is in good hands - and headed in the right direction.