For the better part of the last six month, Jaire Alexander's fate with the Packers this offseason has felt set in stone. There's no denying Alexander's talent, but injuries have cost him major parts of his career in Green Bay, and it's hard to argue that both sides wouldn't be better off with a fresh start.
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In his end-of-season press conference, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst didn't exactly tip his hand one way or the other when it came to Alexander's future, but those who love reading between the lines all seemed to think that his answer hinted that Alexander wouldn't be returning.
But don't think that stopped the content machine from churning! In their latest NFL Mock Draft – which, conveniently, was posted almost immediately after the Super Bowl ended – ESPN had the Packers going with a cornerback in the 1st round. That's not as surprising as the reasoning, and the bigger plan, behind it.
Packers' pick in ESPN's latest NFL Mock draft creates intriguing Jaire Alexander dynamic
ESPN PICK: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
"The Packers have to look at their cornerback room this offseason. Improvements would allow them to play more man coverage under coordinator Jeff Hafley after tying with Tampa Bay for the lowest percentage of man coverage snaps in 2024 (29.2%). Hairston sat out some time because of a shoulder injury this past season, but he led the SEC with five interceptions in 2023 -- two of which were returned for touchdowns. He's a playmaking ball magnet who is going to fly in the 40-yard dash at the combine. Hairston pairs well opposite Jaire Alexander. That duo could help shore up the Green Bay pass defense that gave up a 67.4% completion rate this season, 25th in the league."
Pairs well opposite Alexander! That's new. Most mock drafts have predicted the Packers to take a corner because they're moving on from Alexander (presumably). I kinda like this idea more? Why add two great cornerbacks when you only really need to add one? Don't dig your grave before you absolutely have to! Maybe Hairston is good, maybe he isn't – that's not what matters in this here blog post. What matters is that we're slowly starting to come back around on Alexander, which isn't a bad thing. Unless the Raiders offer Maxx Crosby for him.