Packers: Grading each position group following the draft and free agency
Cornerbacks
Jaire Alexander, Kevin King, Chandon Sullivan, Josh Jackson, Ka’dar Hollman, Stanford Samuels III
The cornerback position is solid and youthful. The Packers have played the past two seasons with Jaire Alexander and Kevin King (when healthy) as their outside corners. Both are on their rookie contracts. King is entering his final year while Alexander is entering year three of what you assume will be five. When healthy, King has shown that he is a starting-caliber cornerback in the NFL. Meanwhile, Alexander has many convinced he in on track to be an All-Pro, maybe as soon as this year.
So far, the Packers haven’t brought back Tramon Williams, who played well as the slot corner last season. His age may be a reason why the Packers aren’t bringing him back. That leaves room for a player like Chandon Sullivan to get more playing time. Sullivan could move to the outside, which would allow Alexander to move into the slot. He’s shown he can play both spots effectively.
Josh Jackson, like Alexander, is on year three of his deal. As a former second-round pick, he hasn’t met the expectations that many fans had of him. I think this may be a make-or-break year for Jackson’s future as a Packer.
Last year’s rookie Ka’dar Hollman will have a chance to get some more playing time this season as well but will be pushed for a roster spot by Stanford Samuels III, an undrafted rookie. Samuels has a lot of potential, but his 4.65 40-yard dash was a big reason he wasn’t drafted. I think he will definitely push for a spot on the roster.
This is still a pretty young group that can get a lot better. If Kevin King can stay healthy, this will remain a solid group.
Grade: B
Safeties
Adrian Amos, Darnell Savage Jr., Will Redmond, Raven Greene, Vernon Scott
Another group that changed vastly from the 2018 season to the 2020 season. Signing Adrian Amos and drafting Darnell Savage in the first round helped turn this unit around. Amos is the returning leading tackler on the team after Martinez departed. Savage made some mistakes last season but is still learning. I fully expect Savage to be even better this season. His speed will help him make a ton of plays in the secondary.
Raven Greene looks to return to the nickel linebacker position that he held last season before he was injured in Week 2. He may have some competition at the spot if the Packers decide to move Savage there. The Packers also drafted Vernon Scott on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. He and Will Redmond will provide the defense with some extra depth at the position.
This is a group on the rise that will likely be better than last year.