Packers 2022 training camp preview: Cornerbacks

Cornerback was a strength for the Green Bay Packers‘ defense last season, and that’s despite losing Jaire Alexander for most of the year.

Alexander is now fully healthy and ready to go.

So, how good can this secondary become in 2022?

Who’s here?

Back from injury, Jaire Alexander will lead the way for Green Bay at cornerback. An All-Pro and Pro Bowler only two seasons ago, Alexander is one of the best players at his position.

Eric Stokes stepped up into a starting role when injuries hit the secondary last season. The 2021 first-round pick made 14 pass defenses in an impressive first year.

Rasul Douglas was the surprise of the season. Signed off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad in October, Douglas made a team-best five interceptions and landed a new deal in the offseason.

The top three are set. There will be competition for the No. 4 spot from Keisean Nixon, Shemar Jean-Charles, Kiondre Thomas, Rico Gafford, Kabion Ento, and Raleigh Texada.

Expectations

As long as Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, and Rasul Douglas are all healthy, expectations are high for this group.

Last season, Stokes and Douglas combined for 27 pass defenses and six interceptions. According to Pro Football Reference, both players allowed a completion percentage of 50 percent or less.

And that was mostly without Alexander, who is one of the NFL’s very best cornerbacks.

We didn’t get to see all three of them together fully healthy last season. They only played together once, in January’s divisional round, but Alexander was limited due to injury.

However, the depth behind the top three is concerning. It’s something the Packers should address this summer. Add a veteran cornerback on a one-year deal, and the Packers will have good cover if they lose one of their starters to injury.

But with Alexander, Stokes, and Douglas together, the sky is the limit for the Packers at cornerback.