Packers have one of the NFL’s top secondaries entering 2021

The Green Bay Packers have quietly built one of the league’s best secondaries, and we could see it all come together in 2021.

General manager Brian Gutekunst recognized the secondary needed serious work when he took the job three years ago, which is why he used his opening two draft picks on cornerbacks.

Selecting Josh Jackson in the second round hasn’t yet panned out, but Jaire Alexander became an All-Pro and Pro Bowler in only his third season.

A year on, Gutekunst knew changes were needed at safety. He first used free agency to sign Adrian Amos, then traded up to draft Darnell Savage in the first round.

This offseason, with cornerback a concern again, Gutekunst drafted Eric Stokes in the first round.

And that brings us to the present day. The Packers enter the 2021 season with a talented young secondary, one that is among the best in the league. Pro Football Focus has ranked each secondary in the NFL, with the Packers sixth.

PFF notes Kevin King’s struggles last season as a reason they’re not higher in the rankings, but first-round pick Stokes will immediately give King competition for a starting job.

With Alexander, Amos, and Savage, the Packers have an incredible trio to build around. Alexander is one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks already, while Amos and Savage form arguably the league’s top safety duo.

If King can get back to his best this year, or Stokes impresses early on, this secondary is going to be scarily good. And what’s most exciting for Packers fans is that they are young.

Alexander is 24 years old. Savage 23. Stokes 22. Amos is the oldest at 28, but he’s still got years ahead of him.

If the Packers can get better play at the number two cornerback spot, they could have the strongest secondary in football this season.