Packers: Keisean Nixon makes PFF’s 2022 All-Pro team

Two Green Bay Packers players have made Pro Football Focus’ 2022 All-Pro team.

Kick returner Keisean Nixon was the Packers‘ only first-teamer, while cornerback Jaire Alexander was named to the second team.

Nixon made the team as a return specialist, which comes after his incredible run as the Packers’ returner in the second half of the season.

It’s hard to believe the difference he made after replacing Amari Rodgers in November.

Rodgers averaged 20.3 yards on kick returns this season and struggled with fumbles. Nixon averaged 28.8 yards per return and led the league in kick return yards with 1,009. He also had the league’s longest kick return, a 105-yard touchdown in Week 17.

Nixon had multiple big returns, including a 93-yarder against the Miami Dolphins in Week 16.

He regularly set the Packers up in great field position, and like all great returners, it felt like he could score anytime the ball was in his hands.

Nixon wasn’t initially signed to return kicks and punts. He played a key role on special teams, but reached an All-Pro level once he became the Packers’ returner.

It will be important for Green Bay to re-sign Nixon in the offseason, and he deservedly makes PFF’s All-Pro team.

Jaire Alexander also had a great season.

PFF’s first-team cornerbacks were the New York Jets’ Sauce Gardner and the Denver Broncos’ Patrick Surtain II, and understandably so. Both players played brilliantly throughout the year.

The second-team cornerbacks were Alexander and the Minnesota Vikings’ Patrick Peterson.

Alexander broke up 14 passes and set a new career-high in interceptions with five. He continued to show why he is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He was also voted to his second Pro Bowl this season.

While it was a disappointing year for the Packers, both Nixon and Alexander deservedly make PFF’s All-Pro team.