Packers News: Carrington Valentine, Jaire Alexander, injury updates, Matt LaFleur

Jaire Alexander believes Carrington Valentine is a 'top-tier corner'

It's rare for a seventh-round rookie to play significant snaps on offense or defense. It's even rarer for them to start at cornerback and even less likely that they step in and make the impact Carrington Valentine has.

Valentine has played like a rookie at times this season -- Russell Wilson went after him in the Packers' loss to the Denver Broncos -- but he was outstanding against the Rams. Valentine broke up three passes, almost had a pick, and played with confidence. All-Pro Jaire Alexander was impressed with what he saw from Valentine.

"37 played like a top-tier corner in the league, and it's exciting to see," said Alexander, according to Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

"And he'll continue to do that, because that's his standard now. He's young -- we've seen it in camp -- he's young, he's hungry, he wants to make plays. He wants to be the best. And I can't be more happy to play alongside somebody like that."

That's high praise from Alexander. Sure, Valentine will make mistakes this season, but Alexander will have appreciated the energy and effort the rookie played with. He played fearlessly and made the most of his opportunity. After breaking up a pass against Puka Nacua, he let the standout rookie receiver know about it.

"I'm here. Honestly. I watch film. I know what it is, and I'm here. I'm here to compete. He had a lot of hype coming into the game, and I took the challenge," said Valentine.