Three predictions for Packers new-look defense in 2019
![GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 09: Jaire Alexander #23 of the Green Bay Packers warms up before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field on December 09, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 09: Jaire Alexander #23 of the Green Bay Packers warms up before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field on December 09, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Flombardiave-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F12-2F1079763404-850x560-675bbc7762e9264bcd5182303f3795ca6e2e1be1e3c22a9fb69fee10173c5e6e.jpg)
2. The secondary will dominate
But it’s not just the pass rush that should be improved in 2019. The Packers could have one of the league’s most exciting young secondaries. Brian Gutekunst has focused on strengthening the defensive backfield since becoming general manager last year, and it has the potential to pay off this season.
At cornerback, the Packers have a young, talented group. Jaire Alexander is number one on the depth chart, and for good reason. He led the team in passes defended last season, was second in tackles and also had an interception, earning selection to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
When healthy, Kevin King is an excellent starter alongside Alexander. King allowed a passer rating of 84.1 on balls thrown his way last season, according to Pro Football Focus. For some perspective, Joe Flacco had a passer rating of 84.2 last year, which ranked 28th in the NFL.
Josh Jackson had 10 pass defenses in his rookie season. Tramon Williams offers versatility and experience. Rookie Ka’Dar Hollman has been a standout performer this summer and had an interception in his debut in last week’s preseason opener. Tony Brown is another very talented player, and Aaron Rodgers had high praise for him this week.
And that’s just the cornerbacks.
At safety, a new starting duo of Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage Jr. could be great. Amos is consistent, and he finished third for the Chicago Bears in tackles last season, fourth in passes defended, and he also had two interceptions.
The Packers traded up to get Savage in the first round of the draft, and he should start in Week 1.
Raven Greene is another player to be excited about. He made one of the plays of the game last week against the Texans, forcing a fumble in the first quarter.
With so much young talent, the Packers secondary has the potential to be great in 2019.