Packers: Rasul Douglas from practice squad to Pro Bowl?

The Pro Bowl is often a popularity contest. Star names are usually selected regardless of if there are other players who have outperformed them. Green Bay Packers cornerback Rasul Douglas may not be voted to the Pro Bowl, but he’s showing why he should be.

Douglas, who was signed off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad in October, has been nothing short of phenomenal since his arrival in Green Bay.

Not just for his big, game-changing plays, of which there are many, but also his consistency. Douglas has forced his way into a starting role ahead of Kevin King, and could also land himself a new deal in the offseason.

To get an idea of just how impressive Douglas has been, let’s look at the numbers.

According to Pro Football Reference, Douglas has been targeted 43 times in his coverage. Of those targets, he’s allowed just 21 completions (48.8 percent) for 277 yards and a touchdown. Quarterbacks have a passer rating of just 48.3 when throwing his way, which ranks as the fifth-lowest.

Douglas has 10 pass defenses, tied for 20th in the NFL, which is impressive considering he’s only played in eight games with five starts. On a new team in a new system, too.

As for the big plays, Douglas has plenty. He has three interceptions on the season and two defensive touchdowns, which is tied for the league lead.

Douglas won the game for the Packers versus his former team, the Cardinals. He intercepted Kyler Murray in the closing seconds to prevent a game-winning touchdown or, at best, a game-tying field goal to force overtime. Douglas’ pick won the game.

He then made back-to-back pick-sixes in games against the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears.

And to think, Douglas was cut by the Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans in the summer, then the Cardinals kept him on their practice squad before the Packers signed him.

Their loss is the Packers’ gain. Hopefully it will lead to a deserved Pro Bowl selection.