Packers 2021 roster preview: Jaire Alexander leads talented secondary
After showing his potential in years one and two, Jaire Alexander became an All-Pro in his third season with the Green Bay Packers, proving why he’s the best cornerback in football.
Alexander came up against many of the league’s top wide receivers last season and won most battles. He’ll face many more star pass catchers in 2021.
Entering year four in Green Bay, Alexander leads a talented young secondary.
2020 stats
Alexander started all 15 games that he played in, finishing the season with 13 pass defenses and an interception.
2020 review
A Pro Bowler, second-team All-Pro, and Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded cornerback. Yeah, not a bad season for Alexander.
Alexander showed his potential with two strong seasons but was inconsistent. Last year, he put it all together and shut down top wide receivers week after week.
According to Pro Football Reference, he allowed a passer rating of 67.4 in his coverage, a career-best. He also allowed only just over a half of the passes to be completed and gave up only two touchdowns all season.
He may not have huge interception numbers, but part of the reason is QBs often opted against throwing in his direction. It’s hard to make an interception when the ball is thrown away from you.
Alexander has been improving each year. From the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2018 to an All-Pro and Pro Bowler in ’20.
Will he make the roster?
Yes. Alexander is the best cornerback in football and arguably Green Bay’s most important defensive player.
What to expect in 2021
Alexander improved from 2018 to ’19 and again from ’19 to ’20. He’s still only 24 years old as he enters year number four, so there’s no reason why he can’t take another step forward.
Alexander will be tested again as the Packers’ schedule features wide receivers such as Michael Thomas, DeAndre Hopkins, Tyreek Hill, and DK Metcalf. But Alexander has shown that he’s more than capable of shutting down great receivers.
He should again be in the All-Pro conversation this season.