Jaire Alexander Can't Do It All Himself
Bolstering the secondary behind Alexander needs to remain a priority
By GregMeinholz
At the beginning of the 2023 season, one would've seen the Green Bay Packers depth chart at cornerback far more different than it turned out to be. Jaire Alexander led the way followed by Rasul Douglas, then Eric Stokes when he was healthy, and likely Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine switching out reps as the number 4. Well, due to injuries to Alexander throughout the season, Stokes never catching a break from injuries, and Rasul Douglas being traded, it was the complete opposite. Valentine alongside Corey Ballentine often found themselves as the top corners with Nixon in the slot if Jaire Alexander couldn't go. One would normally think this would spell disaster for a team. Well, as it would turn out, it didn't.
The trio of Valentine, Ballentine, and Nixon filled in quite admirably. Not too bad for a 7th-round pick, a practice squad graduate, and a guy who's primarily a return specialist. But the Packers can't just bank on those three to be their top options after Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes when healthy. You can't build a team that crumbles if one or two injuries occur, and you should always be looking to get better.
When 2024 kicks off, I could see Jaire Alexander leading the way again, with Carrington Valentine perhaps at a tie with Eric Stokes when healthy. Followed by Ballentine and Nixon. While Valentine or Stokes could get the job done when available, the talent and reliability right behind Jaire Alexander needs to improve.
When you look at current available free agents, there may be a few names, but none of them I feel fit the long-term resolution mold the Packers are likely going for. It appears they would be much better off turning to the draft for some CB depth.
Draft Prospects
Everyone seems to be focused on Safety for the draft. It's Safety, Offensive Line, or bust for a lot of fans in the first two picks of the draft. I'd be amiss if I didn't mention how refreshing it is to see a position other than receiver on the fans' radar for the first time in what, 5 years? Moving on, rightfully so, it seems the Packers are revamping that safety position this offseason, as they haven't re-signed any of their free agent safeties at all, and with the signing of Xavier McKinney, the position will be completely different in 2024. So, why not place a high draft pick next to McKinney?
But if I were being honest, I'd say it could be a good call for Brian Gutekunst to pull the trigger on a cornerback in the first two rounds.
Jaire Alexander is entering his 7th season at 27 years old and may be looking for a new deal in the next year or two, so while he's listed as the top guy for perhaps the next 2-3 years, a new top corner may be in the works.
Kool-Aid McKinstry - There may be one corner the Packers appear to be interested in the most and that's Kool-Aid McKinstry from Alabama. They've already had McKinstry meet them for an interview twice and it's easy to see why when you take a look at the ball-hawking defender. McKinstry displays closing speed on crossing routes and the ability to blanket receivers with close coverage. Kool-Aid seems to be a very promising prospect that could be available to the Packers at pick 25, but don't count on him to make it to the second round.
Max Melton - When's the last time brothers suited up for the Packers? The brother of Packers' wide receiver Bo Melton is wowing scouts with his aggression and dynamic ball skills as well as his ability to play inside and out. I've seen Melton projected to go early to mid-second round, so there's a chance he could be available for the Packers at 41.
Quinyon Mitchell - Mitchell has shown elite speed and explosion for a 6'0, 195 lbs corner. He's also shown an outstanding quick burst and exceptional tacking skills.
Personally, I'd like to see McKinstry become a Packer and learn alongside Jaire Alexander as I believe he's the most mature prospect, but also that I feel he fits the style new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley would like to play with defenders jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage.
With Jaire Alexander missing significant time in 2023 due to injury, Eric Stokes' status always seeming to be uncertain due to frequent nagging injuries, and with Carrington Valentine currently being the only promising youth at the position, corner has to be a high priority in this upcoming draft.
If the position is either bolstered by a draft pick or current players the likes of Stokes, Valentine, or Ballentine step up, the Packers will be set at the perimeter for years to come.
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Greg Meinholz is a lifelong devoted Packer fan. A contributor to CheeseheadTV as well as PackersTalk. Follow him on Twitter @gmeinholz for Packers commentary, random humor, beer endorsements, and occasional Star Wars and Marvel ramblings.
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Comments (34)
T7Steve
April 10, 2024 at 12:21 pm
I thought it'd be fun to get the Melton brothers together, and when Greg said, "He's also shown an outstanding quick burst and exceptional tacking skills." about Mitchell it gave me something else to hope for. Except for Kool-Aid these guys should be easily available for where GBs drafting in 2 and 3. Get all three and it wouldn't be a bad start for continuing building out the D.
That of course is if they address the greatest areas on need too.
This reminds me of writing a Christmas list for Santa as a kid, except then I was probably more realistic in my wishes.
golfpacker1
April 10, 2024 at 12:56 pm
A top CB could easily fall to GB @ #25, but even if one doesn't, late 3rd probably still has Khyree Jackson, Cam Hart, Jarrion Jones, Renardo Green, Andru Phillips, and Elijah Jones still available.
We can't count on Stokes at this point, so we better draft a potential replacement by the end of the 3rd round.
If Stokes is back its a bonus, but what about Alexander? He has missed a bunch too, and he is really expensive. I can see, depending on how 2024 goes, both Stokes and Alexander not being Packers anymore. Stokes not getting resigned and Alexander would be a strong trade chip.
Draft 1 CB day 1 or 2, and then a later developmental.
DeCamerion Richardson-Mississippi State-6'2 190 RAS 8.61 runs low 4.3s, 79 tackles-last year as a CB
Kamal Hadden-Tenn 6'1 196 lbs 4.4s RAS 7.41
Storm Duck-Louisville 6'2 205lbs 4.38 40 RAS 9.56
Quantez Stiggers-CFL Toronto- 5'11 204lbs RAS 9.35 rans low 4.4s
T7Steve
April 10, 2024 at 01:10 pm
I think they have to re-sign Stoke. Don't you think his youth would be more attractive in a trade at this point if he doesn't come thru this season? I think he'll make big jumps this year in the new aggressive D.
Coldworld
April 10, 2024 at 10:46 pm
If he’s healthy again, this looks more like the system he was drafted to fit than the off coverage zone Barry went to in years 2and 3. I think we decline and then resign mid season if he rebounds.
jannesbjornson
April 10, 2024 at 01:27 pm
First of all, they have to replace Douglas. Stokes has to be considered a no-show unless he can prove something in Summer Session. The #41 is a CB pick for me, if T. Sweat is gone early, which seems to be the trend in the past few weeks in the Mocks Projection Syndrome. This is a red flag area. Valentine and Ballentine are backups. He should grab at least two CBs in the early rounds.
Alberta_Packer
April 10, 2024 at 02:27 pm
T. Sweat gone early? With his recent d.u.i. - he'll be fortunate to be drafted in the 3rd round.
jannesbjornson
April 11, 2024 at 11:29 am
Will not affect his position for the team that has him targeted and wants to Win. He didn't cause the accident, stayed at the scene. Misdemeanor in Texas. Maurice Jones-Drew understands his value and mocked him to the Pack@ #25.
gsd3
April 10, 2024 at 04:10 pm
I think it's a mistake to say we have to draft this here or that there. Some guys will fall and others will rise. Make a board and stick to it. If everything is considered equal, then need would apply.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 11, 2024 at 05:28 am
Storm Duck?!? How is that not a Packer, lol. Two corners with 4.3 speed? Yes please!
Coldworld
April 11, 2024 at 07:47 am
Great name, very worrying agility. Both his 3 cone and shuttle were poor, particularly the former. He ran a 4.4 40, not 4.3.
If you want a late CB prospect, look at Quantez Stiggers. He never played college ball, was spotted in a small indoor league yet is reigning CFL Most Outstanding Rookie. Stiggers started 16 games for Toronto and delivered 53 tackles and five interceptions.
Here’s his pro day:
5’11”, 204 pounds,
4.47 40.
73 3/8-inch wingspan,
30 7/8-inch arms,
8 7/8-inch hands.
36.5-inch vertical jump and
10-foot, eight-inch broad jump
4.25 short shuttle
7.20 three-cone (on a wet field).
crayzpackfan
April 10, 2024 at 01:13 pm
With a new DC in town, this year will tell us everything we need to know about whether Jaire Alexander gets to another contract with us. Between his play and his staying healthy, we're going to find out if his mouth and reputation is simply writing checks that his ability and availability can no longer cash or if He was bamboozled by JB. Regardless, I think we need to grab 2 CB's anywhere in this draft along with our ears to the ground to poach from other practice squads or with UDFA signings.
TKWorldWide
April 10, 2024 at 01:30 pm
A lockdown corner is a huge asset to any defense, so if GB gets one in the first round, I won’t complain.
Is Stokes already counted out? Is it unreasonable to expect him to come into camp 100% healthy?
If GB comes out of round one with a GREAT player, there’s really no reason to complain about what position he plays. But in all, I think we pretty much agree we’d like to see additions at safety, linebacker, and O-line. Running back as well. Just trying not to get all wadded up over in which ORDER the guys are picked.
CoachJV
April 10, 2024 at 02:14 pm
From my point of view, you cannot even count on Stokes yet. There's a lot to do for that young man. Ballentine is a good zone coverage guy and will see lots of reps in relief of the press-man CBs when coverage calls for it. I think Valentine is legit and will hopefully make the 2nd year jump.
At Safety, I think we'll still end up bringing back Ford. He's 29, so I see him getting Vet minimum plus escalators on a one year deal. So yeah, we need another couple of players in the Secondary.
Alberta_Packer
April 10, 2024 at 02:37 pm
I'm penciling in Ford as one of the Safeties. My guess is that Gutekunst has already made an offer to him - probably close to the vet minimum. However Rudy (and his agent) have the luxury of time to see if a better offer is received from elsewhere. Probably not - so I expect Rudy to be a closer-to-training-camp signing.
Alberta_Packer
April 10, 2024 at 02:22 pm
Currently the Packers have more quantity than quality in the CB room. The floor could be raised with just the second year jumps of Ballentine and Valentine. However Stokes is strictly an also eligible - while Alexander has not always been available (physically and mentally) these last 2 years. So I support the import of CB talent to raise both the ceiling and floor of the CB room - by:
A. With their first pick (25) - the GBP select from Alabama - CB Kool-Aid McKinstry
B. With their last pick (255) - the GBP select from the Toronto Argonauts - CB Quan'tez Stiggers.
TKWorldWide
April 10, 2024 at 03:03 pm
I personally resemble that “more quantity than quality” remark.
Alberta_Packer
April 10, 2024 at 03:41 pm
That reminds me of my usual High School essays.
Matt
April 10, 2024 at 02:28 pm
Stokes is an important piece here. If he could get back to at least his rookie year, we are already good with this room. But this too big of a question mark, so let's assume he is a non-facotr.
With all the respect to Gutekunst I still feel like trading Douglas was a mistake. With Alexander, Douglas, Stokes, Vallentine, Ballentine and Nixon we add guy like Max Melton and we are totally set. No need for first round pick.
Alberta_Packer
April 10, 2024 at 02:45 pm
I would have also preferred to have Douglas than a 3rd round selection - which I now regard as Gutekunst's remediation pick.
TKWorldWide
April 10, 2024 at 03:01 pm
But remember, it would be Rasul at $10 million.
Alberta_Packer
April 10, 2024 at 04:25 pm
Right - the 10M cap savings is not insignificant. With that added cushion it may have prompted Gutie to be more active in free agency. While still leaving a surplus to currently pursue other FAs or re-sign their own players.
TKWorldWide
April 11, 2024 at 07:15 am
Totally agree. One could argue that the Douglas trade netted McKinney AND a third round pick. Not too shabby.
LLCHESTY
April 10, 2024 at 03:51 pm
Douglas isn't a press and run CB. With the coaching change it worked out well.
Bitternotsour
April 11, 2024 at 08:47 am
such a weird hill to die on. the packers improved AFTER douglas was traded. they not only improved their draft status, wins and losses, but also gained 10 mil in cap space.
Leatherhead
April 10, 2024 at 02:46 pm
Lots of love for a guy that has missed 24 out of the last 51 regular season games while pulling down premium coin. Stokes has missed 23 out of the last 51, but at least he's on a rookie deal and not costing us a fortune .
In the perfect lollipops and rainbows world, both of these guys would stay healthy, Valentine will have improved his second year, and we'll get reliable performances from Nixon and Ballantine and we can all be happy. In the real world, things will certainly go wrong in ways we can't predict.
A premium corner, like we could get at #25, certainly increases the likelihood that we'll have two reliable corners lined up.
Coldworld
April 10, 2024 at 04:21 pm
Packers apparently signed Gemon Green a 6’2 physical
CB last with the Giants. May be a slot type. A scouting report:
https://www.maizenbrew.com/football/2023/4/20/23691308/michigan-football...
PearlyBakerBest
April 10, 2024 at 05:33 pm
Formal apology to you Coldworld for recent comments.
SicSemperTyrannis
April 11, 2024 at 05:45 am
Thanks CW! I saw that signing but couldn't find anything about who he is.
Bitternotsour
April 11, 2024 at 08:49 am
this tracks with my contention that Nixon is going to be a box safety.
CanPackFan
April 10, 2024 at 04:35 pm
Jaire's flakiness is still in the back of my mind. When he wants to prove something, he plays to his potential. Add in injuries, and I don't feel really comfortable depending on him to anchor our defensive backfield.
Stokes feels like the return of Kevin King. Never healthy, and just a shadow of his rookie season. We can't depend on him. Hopefully, Valentine and Ballantine continue their growth curve.
I agree with others that drafting more CBs is a good way to go. Convert one into a safety. Corners "generally" tackle well and are fast.
Guam
April 11, 2024 at 08:18 am
I'm not sure the Packer's greatest need is CB, but I think the author is right that a CB will likely be the Packer's first round selection. The Packers greatest needs are S, LB, and IOL with a lesser need at CB.
There doesn't appear to be a Safety that has anywhere near a first round grade in this draft. Only two off-ball linebackers might have a border line first round grade (E. Cooper and Wilson) but that assessment could be a stretch. The Packers never reach so drafting a LB is possible but doubtful. There are several IOL that carry a late first round grade, but the Packer NEVER draft an IOL with their first round pick. Draft value wise an IOL would make sense but the Packers simply don't value IOL that highly and prefer to get their IOL in later rounds.
By process of elimination that leaves either CB as the first round selection or the Packers trade out of the first round. Mckinstry or Dejean if he falls????
Bitternotsour
April 11, 2024 at 09:04 am
I think your logic is sound, but like anything there will be exceptions to the rule. they never draft interior lineman, until they do. They never draft guys over 22 yo, until they do.
The one constant that I believe they'll stick with is big time athleticism. Whether that's in the form of a corner, or IOL, a tackle, or a linebacker is a mystery worth waiting for.
Guam
April 11, 2024 at 09:51 am
Given my perfectly sound logic, the Packers will probably draft Jackson Powers-Johnson (IOL) at #25. That would certainly conform to my inability to pick any previous Packer first round draft choices. <Sigh>
Bitternotsour
April 11, 2024 at 11:54 am
I'm all in on that pick, he's actually a guy I've watched play. he's already wearing green.