Packers: Who will be the slot cornerback in 2022 season?
The Green Bay Packers appear to have the best trio of cornerbacks in the National Football League.
After signing his record deal this offseason, Jaire Alexander has established himself as arguably the best overall CB in the league.
After spending time on three different practice squads before joining the Packers in October 2021, Rasul Douglas had one of the best turnaround seasons in recent memory (five interceptions in just 12 games) and has established himself as one of the top cover cornerbacks in the league.
Then, there is the talented Eric Stokes, who finished first among rookies in pass break-ups last season.
Green Bay is loaded at that position, which should end up being the backbone of one of the most dominant defenses in the game.
The team is in the process of determining which of the three is going to cover the slot. At times during minicamp this week, each player practiced in the slot. Stokes was absent at practice on Wednesday, which allowed for free-agent signee Keisean Nixon to step in for him.
With Eric Stokes absent, Rasul Douglas moves back outside opposite Jaire Alexander in #Packers secondary. Keisean Nixon, who looks like the fourth corner, lines up in the slot.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) June 8, 2022
That might end up being important that Nixon logs those snaps, just in case of an injury. But it’s clear that Alexander, Douglas, and Stokes are the top three on the depth chart, which should go without saying.
Alexander is an an All-Pro. Douglas was a top-five cover CB last season, allowing a passer rating of just 44.5, according to Pro Football Reference. Stokes finished eighth in the NFL for completion percentage allowed with 49.5.
When it comes to slot corner, you need quick, agile defenders that can match the speed of slot receivers. That’s why Stokes might be the best option. He has blazing 4.2 speed.
But Douglas played well last season with 13 passes defensed. Also, Alexander is one of the premier shutdown cornerbacks in the league. So, the Packers have a tough decision to make, which is actually why this is a great problem to have.
Douglas and Stokes would be the No. 1 CB on 25-30 other NFL teams.
I would give the slot CB edge to Douglas. His play spoke for itself last season, and I think he will look to carry that momentum forward this year.
Alexander and Stokes will be the lockdown defenders on the outside. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry really has this defense in a great place. The defensive backfield in Green Bay, Wisconsin is a big reason why. It is stacked, especially at cornerback.