Five things worth watching as Packers play out 2018 string

2. Josh Jackson and Tony Brown

With Kevin King on injured reserve, only stud rookie Jaire Alexander and injury-riddled veteran Bashaud Breeland are ahead of these two players on the depth chart.

Jackson has received far more snaps than Brown thus far due to his lofty draft status. He’s held up decently at times, but hasn’t excelled in man coverage. He’s shown stiff hips and a tendency to grab receivers at the top of the route, both extremely problematic traits when guarding NFL receivers one-on-one.

Brown, meanwhile, is an exceptional athlete who is among the fastest players on the team. He’s been aggressive and consistently competed both at the catch point and in run support. The undrafted rookie from Alabama’s play warrants Mike Pettine giving him an extended look in these next games.

The Packers will probably draft another cornerback next year, but they simply can’t keep investing early-round picks into this position. Damarious Randall, Quinten Rollins, King, Alexander, and Jackson have all been drafted in the first two rounds of the past four drafts, and there’s other holes for Gutekunst to fill.

For Jackson, the next four games are an opportunity to build a bit of positive momentum heading into his second season. He’ll continue to receive plenty of opportunities next year regardless, but it would be invaluable for his confidence to string together a few positive plays in coverage.

For Brown, the absence of Breeland and King presents a golden chance that he may not receive next year. If he can continue jumping off the tape while not giving up big plays, Gutekunst will likely feel pretty good about his 2019 group of corners.