Packers 2021 roster preview: Chandon Sullivan is underrated

When Tramon Williams wasn’t re-signed last offseason, it was clear the Green Bay Packers had confidence in Chandon Sullivan.

And Sullivan played well, stepping into a bigger role in Mike Pettine’s defense.

While Sullivan could face competition for snaps from rookie Shemar Jean-Charles this season, he’s done enough to deserve the opportunity to start in the slot.

2020 stats

Sullivan was active for all 16 games in the regular season and started 10 of them, having previously never started a game for the Packers. He made six pass defenses, 41 tackles, and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown.

2020 review

Overall, it was a solid season for Sullivan. While he didn’t make many game-changing plays outside of his pick-six against the Detroit Lions in Week 2, he played well over the course of the season.

Perhaps the biggest compliment to give Sullivan is that it didn’t feel like a mistake to not re-sign Tramon Williams at any point. That shows Sullivan did a good job taking on that role.

And Sullivan’s coverage was good. According to Pro Football Focus, over the past two seasons, Sullivan has allowed a passer rating of 75.9, 11th-lowest among cornerbacks who have faced at least 100 targets. Not bad at all.

Will he make the roster?

Yes. Even with the additions the Packers have made at cornerback, Sullivan’s spot on the 53-man roster is safe.

What to expect in 2021

In all likelihood, it will be Sullivan starting in the slot again this season with Jaire Alexander and either Kevin King or Eric Stokes on the outside. While there should be more competition than last year, Sullivan’s experience and talent should help him win the job, at least early on in the season.

The Packers’ secondary receives a lot of praise, and understandably so, but Sullivan’s performances often slip under the radar. But that doesn’t mean he’s not a valuable member of the defensive backfield.