Packers: Jaire Alexander a ‘premier corner in this league’

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has a lot of confidence in cornerback Jaire Alexander.

Jaire Alexander is a rising star in the Green Bay Packers defense.

Entering his third season, there are high expectations for the Packers’ 2018 first-round pick.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur spoke to reporters in a video call on Tuesday, and he had high praise for Alexander:

“There’s so much to like about Ja,” Matt LaFleur said.

“First of all, I love being around him, I’ve told him a million times. He’s got such an infectious energy, not only for guys on defense but our entire team. I love how he competes on a daily basis and I think he’s a premier corner in this league.”

And it’s not surprising. Alexander has impressed in his first two seasons with the Packers and took a big step in his second year. He made plays all over the field with a team-best 17 pass defenses, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.

According to Pro Football Reference, Alexander allowed a completion percentage of 53.6 percent, an improvement on 64.8 percent in his rookie year. He also allowed a passer rating of 85.8, an improvement from 100.0 in 2018.

He also had an increased role in the Packers defense, starting all 16 games and playing on 99 percent of the team’s defensive snaps.

Along with starter Kevin King, Alexander will be crucial to the success of Green Bay’s pass defense this season. Outside of these two, there is some uncertainty at cornerback, especially when it comes to replacing Tramon Williams in the slot.

Competition at training camp will help answer many of those questions, including whether the Packers should re-sign Williams before the start of the season.

Alexander enters 2020 as the team’s best cornerback, and in year three, he could be set for another big season. LaFleur certainly thinks so.