Handing out Green Bay Packers 2023 regular season awards
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Carrington Valentine
Leading all Green Bay Packers rookies in snaps this season (651), cornerback Carrington Valentine was thrust into a role that few seventh-round rookies are privy to. In return, he brought stability and consistency to a unit that battled injuries to starters.
With Eric Stokes only registering limited snaps this season while still battling hamstring injuries after returning from a significant injury from last year, the Packers thankfully had Rasul Douglas playing the best football of his career across from Jaire Alexander. However, that changed when Douglas was sent to the Buffalo Bills, creating the opportunity for Valentine.
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The promise he showed throughout preseason all but came to full fruition in his first 11 starts. Of all Packers defenders with over 40 targets in coverage, Valentine allowed the fewest yards per target (7.2) and has the second-lowest passer rating allowed when targeted (86.9).
After a rocky first start against the Denver Broncos, Valentine kicked his play into high gear, allowing only one touchdown all season. He also lets you know it when he makes a play; he's a loud personality between the lines, similar to his cross-field counterpart Alexander.