GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Packers’ defense will be looking to build on its improvement from last season. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is striving for his group to be better in his second year on the job.

Hafley thought the defense played hard and effectively last season, especially toward the end. Now he’s looking for the next step.

“We have guys who have played in the system. We have some new pieces we need to add. We need to evolve. We can’t just do the same thing: say, ‘Here is the playbook. This is what we’re running,’” said Hafley. “No, we’re a different team. It’s a different year. Offenses are going to evolve. We have to evolve. I would say I would like us to be more consistent.”

Hafley said he is excited about the defensive talent the Packers drafted. He was specifically asked if the two edge rushers they drafted — fourth-rounder Barryn Sorrell and fifth-rounder Collin Oliver — could make an immediate impact.

“I hope so,” said Hafley. “We’ll find out. As we get going in training camp and preseason, hopefully we can bring them along. Those are two guys we liked a lot in the process. I’m very happy that we drafted them. I think it creates competition and we’ll see.”

Cornerback Nate Hobbs, a free agent signing from the Raiders, will play right away. Packers assistant head coach Rich Bisaccia coached Hobbs with the Raiders.

“I just think he’s a really talented football player,” said Bisaccia. “He’s a lot bigger than you think until you get up there and shake his hand. He can really run. He’s a physical player. He’s got great length, and he’s played multiple positions. He’s played in the slot, he’s played outside. I just think we’re getting a really good guy that loves football.”

Texas defensive lineman Barryn Sorrell celebrates after being chosen by the Green Bay Packers with the 124th overall pick during the third day of the NFL football draft, Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

“I see Nate can play outside and he can play inside,” said Hafley. “So, we’re going to have him do both. He’s had a lot of success inside. And I thought his tape outside was equally as good. He is competitive. He’s tough. He is physical. He plays the game fast. You can tell he loves it. It just jumps off the tape.”

Hafley said linebacker Edgerrin Cooper has put on good weight and should be even stronger in his second season.