It\u2019s a different scheme, so it\u2019s a completely different reality for some of Green Bay\u2019s most impactful defensive pieces.<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDec 14, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Green Bay Packers safety Evan Williams (33) runs downfield during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIsaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
The Green Bay Packers moved on from defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley after he accepted the Miami Dolphins head coaching job<\/a>, and the team replaced him with Jonathan Gannon, the former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator and Arizona Cardinals head coach. The scheme change from Hafley\u2019s system to Gannon\u2019s more versatile defensive approach<\/a> creates real opportunities for several Packers defenders to take their games to another level in 2026.<\/p>\n Gannon\u2019s defense operates differently<\/a> from what Green Bay ran over the past two seasons. His system can toggle between 3-4 and 4-3 base looks, though the Packers will primarily use a 3-4 alignment. The coaching staff reflects that shift<\/a>. DeMarcus Covington now coaches the outside linebackers while also serving as run game coordinator and assistant head coach, and Vince Oghobaase earned a promotion to defensive line coach to handle the interior players. Gannon also loves varied shell coverages on the back end, adapting his defensive structure depending on the opposing offense.<\/p>\n So, let\u2019s discuss the four Packers defenders best positioned to benefit.<\/p>\n Micah Parsons gets more freedom<\/p>\n Parsons is a transcendent player who would thrive in any scheme, and he proved that during his first season in Green Bay. But his profile as a bendy, lighter edge defender fits even better in a 3-4 base. The ability to play with more freedom and more defenders at the line of scrimmage in base packages will give Parsons cleaner opportunities to pin his ears back and do what he does best: rush the passer. The difference between 3-4 and 4-3 isn\u2019t as dramatic as it once was across the NFL, but for a player with Parsons\u2019 skill set, the distinction still matters.<\/p>\n Devonte Wyatt benefits from more bodies up front<\/p>\n Wyatt has always been a strong interior pass rusher, but his run defense has lagged behind. In a 3-4, when the base defense is actually on the field with three interior defensive linemen, Wyatt will see looks that put more players up front to handle run-stopping responsibilities. That should free him to attack as a rusher more consistently. Even while missing several games due to injury last season, Wyatt generated 22 pressures in 222 pass rush snaps. He\u2019s not a complete player yet, but a scheme built around his strengths could elevate his production in the areas where he\u2019s been limited.<\/p>\n Edgerrin Cooper\u2019s coverage ability becomes essential<\/p>\n The trade-off in Gannon\u2019s scheme is that the Packers will often have only two (and sometimes just one) off-ball linebacker on the field. That demands linebackers who can cover sideline to sideline and hold up in space. Edgerrin Cooper fits that mold. His coverage skills are the strongest part of his game, outside of his ability as a blitzer. Last season, Cooper posted a 76.5 coverage grade via PFF and allowed a 94.1 passer rating when targeted. Cooper still needs to improve as a tackler after recording a 55.5 tackling grade last season, but in a defense that prioritizes coverage versatility at linebacker, he\u2019s the ideal fit over players like Isaiah McDuffie, who don\u2019t share that same skill set.<\/p>\n Evan Williams could be the biggest winner<\/p>\n
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