Packers: Three potential surprise cuts ahead of 2020 season

2. Josh Jackson

Another early-round draft pick who could be a surprise cut is cornerback Josh Jackson, the Packers’ second-round choice two years ago. The Packers had high hopes for their top two picks that year — Jackson and first-round pick Jaire Alexader — to become a dominant starting cornerback tandem. After two years, Alexander has been a starter with star potential, but Jackson has struggled.

Like Burks, Jackson’s snap counts went in the wrong direction in 2019. In his rookie year, the second-round pick played on 68 percent of the Packers’ defensive snaps and started 10 games. But last season, he was only on the field for 10 percent of the defensive snaps and didn’t start a game.

Kevin King staying healthy, Tramon Williams’ strong season, and the emergence of Chandon Sullivan all contributed, but it also showed that Jackson had fallen down the depth chart.

Even if the Packers don’t re-sign Williams, Jackson will face competition at cornerback. Second-year Ka’dar Hollman and rookie Stanford Samuels will be players to watch over the summer.

Currently, it’s unclear what Jackson’s best role is for this defense. Should he move to safety? Can he replace Williams in the slot?

If the Packers don’t have an answer for his best role in Mike Pettine’s defense, he could be a surprise cut in September.