Packers: Predicting cornerback depth chart in 2022 season
The Green Bay Packers enter 2022 in a strong position at cornerback.
The trio of Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, and Rasul Douglas is about as good as you’ll find anywhere in the NFL.
We know they will be the top three this season, but who will be next on the depth chart?
Packers CB depth chart predictions in 2022
- Jaire Alexander
- Eric Stokes
- Rasul Douglas (slot)
- Keisean Nixon
- Shemar Jean-Charles
- Rico Gafford
The only question for the top three is who plays in the slot. It likely won’t be one full-time starter in the slot and will instead be based on matchups.
Jaire Alexander is an excellent choice to play in the slot, but he is also one of the league’s best outside corners.
Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette provided an interesting update. General manager Brian Gutekunst said it will be a week-to-week decision, although Wood noted that Rasul Douglas has been spending time in the slot with the starting defense.
#Packers have Rasul Douglas in the slot with starting defense, but he’s getting perimeter reps on second team. Brian Gutekunst has said slot will be week to week. Might see a lot of Douglas in the slot, except vs. undersized, quick WRs. Jaire Alexander can handle those matchups.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) July 27, 2022
Either way, it’s not a bad problem to have. Both Alexander and Douglas can play in the slot. It’s unclear whether Eric Stokes will spend much time in the slot, or whether he will be used permanently on the outside.
Where there is some uncertainty is with the depth behind the top three.
Keisean Nixon has a great chance to make the roster due to his special teams ability. New special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia coached Nixon with the Las Vegas Raiders, so he knows what he brings to the Packers.
According to Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com, Nixon helped line up the kickoff return unit during practice this week, a sign he will play a key role on special teams.
Shemar Jean-Charles provides some depth in the slot entering his second season.
Rico Gafford might have a long shot of making the roster, but he could earn a spot based on special teams.
Gafford has switched to cornerback from wide receiver, so it’s unclear how ready he will be to play snaps on defense. However, according to Cheesehead TV’s Aaron Nagler, he has been getting reps as the kick returner.
With Gafford’s great speed, this could be his key to a roster spot.