Twitter has been reacting to the Green Bay Packers’ first-round selection, cornerback Jaire Alexander.
It took two trades to finally get there, but the Green Bay Packers have their cornerback. At No. 18 overall — yes, you read that right — the Packers selected Jaire Alexander out of Louisville.
First they traded away the No. 14 pick to New Orleans, receiving the No. 27 pick as well as a 2019 first-rounder. But general manager Brian Gutekunst picked up the phone again and made a deal with Seattle, jumping up nine spots to select Alexander.
This is a big addition for the Packers’ defense. Alexander is one of the draft’s premier cornerbacks, and he will fit right into Mike Pettine’s unit.
Here’s how Packers fans have been reacting to the pick on Twitter:
#JaireAlexander #JaireAlexander #JaireAlexander #JaireAlexander #JaireAlexander #JaireAlexander #JaireAlexander #JaireAlexander #JaireAlexander #JaireAlexander #JaireAlexander #JaireAlexander #JaireAlexander #JaireAlexander #JaireAlexander #JaireAlexander pic.twitter.com/XHdwOMgOJ0
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) April 27, 2018
Alexander was surprised by the pick.
Jaire Alexander: "I didn’t have any contact with the #Packers. This caught me by surprise."
— Wes Hodkiewicz (@WesHod) April 27, 2018
Kevin King, who the Packers traded back to get last year, is excited about the pick.
🔒🔒🔒 Welcome to the squad! @JaireAlexander
— Kenny Clark (@KCBoutThatLife) April 27, 2018
Alexander and King are going to be key pieces of the secondary next year, working alongside veterans Tramon Williams and Davon House.
Want a reason to get excited about the selection? Here you go.
Meet the newest member of the #Packers defense. A potentially dominant CB. pic.twitter.com/frD6ymZUGN
— PFF GB Packers (@PFF_Packers) April 27, 2018
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com believes Alexander is a great fit in Mike Pettine’s defense.
Credit the @packers for moving around the board to get picks while still acquiring a blue-chip player. Alexander is an exceptional cover corner with press man skills. He is the perfect CB for Mike Pettine's aggressive scheme. #NFLDraft
— Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks) April 27, 2018
How can you not love Alexander already?
What stands out about #Packers CB @JaireAlexander: He has #swagger, and is responsible for one of the best football GIFs of all-time. pic.twitter.com/ouzAeA1NUd
— Marques Eversoll (@MarquesEversoll) April 27, 2018
The fact Gutekunst managed to add a 2019 first-rounder was particularly impressive.
#Packers get Louisville CB Jaire Alexander at No. 18. He's 5-10 1/4, 192 pounds. Ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. Get help at their most glaring position of need. Maybe #Gutey knows what he's doing.
— Jason Wilde (@jasonjwilde) April 27, 2018
Gutekunst got the cornerback he wanted, only had to move back four spots to do so, and also gained a future first-round pick. I like it.
One of the more eventful first rounds in a while for #Packers. End up moving back only 4 spots, get CB Alexander, get a first-rounder next year. Not bad.
— Mike Spofford (@mikespofford) April 27, 2018
Packers lose a 3rd ... but gain a first
— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) April 27, 2018
All they did was slide down a net of 4 spots
This was really well done
Don’t forget about Alexander’s talent as a punt returner. He could give Green Bay’s special teams an immediate boost.
Although Trevor Davis is more than capable. Jaire Alexander will get many opportunities at punt returner. His ability to get to top speed quickly makes him dangerous on special teams.
— Eye In The Sky (@The_Green_Gold) April 27, 2018
After Day 1, Green Bay still has plenty of selections to work with.
After the two trades, here’s the team’s remaining picks ahead of the final two days:
- Round 2, Pick 13 (45 overall)
- Round 4, Pick 1 (101)
- Round 4, Pick 33 (133)
- Round 5, Pick 1 (138)
- Round 5, Pick 10 (147)
- Round 5, Pick 35 (172)
- Round 5, Pick 37 (174)
- Round 6, Pick 33 (207)
- Round 7, Pick 14 (232)
- Round 7, Pick 21 (239)
- Round 7, Pick 30 (248)
What are your thoughts on a busy opening night in the draft for the Packers? Who are you hoping they select in the second round?