The Green Bay Packers seem more than comfortable letting former Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander walk in free agency, as the front office seems to have had it with his inability to stay healthy. Alexander has just 34 games played to his name over the last four seasons.
Green Bay was expected to target defense early in the 2025 NFL Draft, and this decision has only kicked things up a notch. This cornerback class has two studs in Colorado's Travis Hunter and Michigan's Will Johnson at the tip of the spear, but many believe it to be lacking in depth.
Even with the overall weakness of the class, the Packers may have the opportunity to select a player near the end of the first round who can immediately come to Green Bay and compete for a starting role. His versatility and aggression will remind fans of Alexander and improve a weak CB room.
Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron could be the perfect player to replace Alexander without breaking the bank in free agency for a more expensive veteran. Brian Gutekunst's reputation as a solid drafter could continue to grow if they end up making this selection a reality.
Texas CB Jahdae Barron could be Packers' perfect Jaire Alexander replacement
Barron, a fifth-year senior who picked off five passes in his last year with the Longhorns, played everywhere from outside cornerback to nickel and safety during his ultimate college season. His ball skills are superb, as he has an impeccable knack for judging the ball in the air and creating turnovers.
Unlike some of the other fringe-Day 1 cornerbacks the Packers could scoop up, Barron is an above-average tackler in open space who loves to deliver big hits in run support. This should fit in well with a Jeff Hafley defense that has put an emphasis on being aggressive and tackling well in space.
Barron doesn't have great long speed, and there are times when some of the rough edges in his game show against premier competition. However, the archetype of the modern switchblade defensive back is held in increasingly high regard, and Barron could fit that mold quite well.
Barron may have benefitted from a weak cornerback class, but he profiles as a low-floor option who is the best of the non-Hunter and non-Johnson options in this class. After the Eagles won a Super Bowl thanks to the standout play of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, Green Bay might be inspired to invest in their secondary.