Packers 2022 draft preview: Are they done at cornerback?
The Green Bay Packers have one of the best cornerback trios in the NFL with Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, and Rasul Douglas.
But is their work done?
There are still some questions. Who plays in the slot? Has Green Bay got enough depth behind its top three?
Will cornerback be on the to-do list in this month’s 2022 NFL Draft?
Free agency recap
The biggest piece of business was signing Douglas to a new three-year deal, an important move after his dominant season. He led the team with five interceptions.
Green Bay also signed Keisean Nixon to a one-year deal, although he spent most of his time on special teams with the Las Vegas Raiders. That could also be his role with the Packers.
Starting slot corner Chandon Sullivan signed with the Minnesota Vikings. Kevin King remains a free agent.
Need in the draft?
No.
Green Bay’s top three is as good as any. If the team comes out of the draft without a cornerback, the secondary will be fine. We shouldn’t expect the Packers to draft a corner early unless a player like Ahmad Gardner somehow fell to No. 22.
However, given the importance of the position, they could add a cornerback in the mid-to-late rounds.
Draft outlook
Drafting a cornerback in the first round wouldn’t make a lot of sense. Either they spend the next couple of seasons as a backup, or they win a starting job ahead of Stokes or Douglas. Stokes was a first-round pick and Douglas just got paid.
That doesn’t mean they won’t draft a corner in any round, though.
It’s a premium position. You can never really have enough talent at cornerback. Every team in the NFL wants more talented cornerbacks.
Also, there is some uncertainty at the “star” position with Sullivan gone. Alexander can play there and has done in the past, but is that his best role? He’s Green Bay’s top corner. Can Stokes or Douglas play there?
All three have been excellent on the outside. It’s a good problem to have, but one to think about.
They drafted Shemar Jean-Charles a year ago and he primarily plays in the slot. Maybe he takes a step up.
Perhaps Green Bay drafts another corner in the middle rounds who is comfortable playing in the slot. Maybe the team adds a versatile safety who can also play there.
Either way, if there’s a cornerback the Packers like in the middle rounds, they shouldn’t hesitate to draft them. It’s never a bad idea to add talent at corner. We just shouldn’t expect this to happen in the early rounds.