We're officially 14 days from the start of the 2026 NFL season for the Green Bay Packers . Whether you're ready or not, football season is here.
The Packers kick off their 2026 season against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Sept. 13, from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Talk about pressure. The Vikings are certainly in a transitional place as a franchise, but getting going against an NFC North foe ratchets up the intensity of this season from the get-go.
It's a big season for the Packers . There's a belief that they're in a Super Bowl window right now, which means every single game is important. That means the intensity will be there in Week 2 at MetLife Stadium against the New York Jets and it will certainly be there in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons, when the Packers will play at Lambeau Field for the first time in 2026.
There's going to be a lot of proverbial ink spilled on this 2026 season and we here at PackersRoundtable hope that you spend as much time as possible with us talking about the ins and outs and ups and downs of the Packers.
As we prepare for the 2026 season, though, we're going to kick things off with a rankings series looking at the Top 50 Packers heading into the 2025 season.
At No. 14, we have safety Javon Bullard
Green Bay Packers safety Javon Bullard (7) slaps hands with fans as he rides a bicycle to practice on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.
The Packers have very high hopes that Javon Bullard can be one of the best players on their defense in 2026 and they have reason to believe so. They selected him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Georgia and he's slowly but surely become one of the top slot safeties in the NFC.
In two seasons, Bullard has notched 173 tackles, four passes defended and two fumble recoveries.
It's not just about the numbers with him, though.
Bullard is a physical presence, especially in the run game, and he's not afraid to get his nose into the middle of the action and lay the hammer.
One of the biggest criticisms of Green Bay's defense in the Matt LaFleur era has been a lack of consistent grit and toughness, but Bullard brings all that to the table and more for the Packers.
As far as slot players go, Bullard is a rising-star as long as he can stay healthy.
2025 Synopsis:
In 17 games played, Bullard totalled 83 tackles (49 solo), one fumble recovery and three passes defended. Per PFF, his 46 receptions allowed ranked him sixth amongst all qualified NFL safeties.
Notable Quotables:
"Perspective over perception. Y'all perceive me to be this, but OK. I view your perception. Now, it's my perspective. I'm going to take what you say and make it true. I'll be the villain. That's cool. I'll be the bad guy. What's next?" - Javon Bullard
Projected Role in 2026:
Bullard is going to play a lot of football in 2026, especailly since new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon seems to favor nickel looks featuring three safeties. Bullard is going to be that third safety next to Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams.
Previous Rankings:
