Packers 2020 post-draft position review: Cornerbacks
The Packers’ cornerback depth chart won’t be too different in 2019.
The Green Bay Packers have put a lot of work into the secondary in recent years. As a result, they haven’t felt the need to make too many changes at cornerback this offseason.
Jaire Alexander and Kevin King will be the two starters on the outside but who takes Tramon Williams’ spot as the slot corner is still unknown.
Should the Packers have made a move or two at cornerback this offseason?
Currently on the roster
Jaire Alexander, Kevin King, Chandon Sullivan, Josh Jackson, Ka’dar Hollman, Stanford Samuels, DaShaun Amos, Marc-Antoine Dequoy, Kabion Ento, Will Sunderland
Offseason moves
Free agent Tramon Williams remains unsigned. The Packers didn’t sign a cornerback in free agency or select one in the draft, but they did sign three undrafted free agents: Marc-Antoine Dequoy, Stanford Samuels, and Will Sunderland.
Improved from 2019?
No.
The loss of Williams could be a big one. The Packers could yet decide they want to re-sign him after not adding cornerback depth in the draft, but it’s possible they first want to see whether Chandon Sullivan is ready to step up into the slot corner role.
If Josh Jackson or Ka’dar Hollman can take a step up or one of the undrafted rookies makes an impact, the Packers can improve at corner. But it will be difficult to replace Williams.
Key player
Jaire Alexander.
Alexander is Green Bay’s best cornerback and could be a star in the next couple of seasons. Pro Football Focus ranked the top 25 players in the NFL under 25 years old, and Alexander was 20th.
Only three players in the NFL had more pass defenses than Alexander last season, who was tied for fourth-most with 17. He also made two interceptions.
Alexander has quickly become the best cornerback on the roster. Entering his third season, he’s the key player in the secondary.
Position outlook
The Packers have a talented young secondary led by Alexander and Kevin King.
There are concerns with depth and the slot corner position, although Chandon Sullivan deserves to be the frontrunner for the job. Sullivan impressed in 2019 and could be an ideal replacement for Williams.
Undrafted rookie Stanford Samuels will be a player to watch over the summer and into the preseason. Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller ranked him 76th in the entire draft class but he ended up not being selected. He made six interceptions in his final two seasons at Ohio State.
There are questions that need answering at cornerback and depth is the main concern, but this group has a lot of potential.