Shutterstock
The Green Bay Packers face a critical decision about their cornerback situation — and it could reshape their defensive backfield for 2024. General manager Brian Gutekunst must weigh the future of star cornerback Jaire Alexander, who’s missed 20 regular-season games over the past two seasons while carrying a significant cap hit.
Packers fans seem to have made their preferences clear. Using Pro Football Focus’s Mock Draft Simulator, they’re consistently selecting University of Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron with the team’s first-round pick — suggesting many believe Alexander’s time in Green Bay may be coming to an end.
Barron, PFF’s ninth-ranked overall prospect, is coming off an impressive 2024 campaign with the Longhorns. His stat line jumps off the page: 67 tackles, five interceptions, 11 passes defensed and a fumble recovery across 16 games.
NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein sees significant potential in Barron’s game.
“Big nickelback was in the right place at the right time throughout his impressive 2024 season,” Zierlein notes. “Barron played smothering coverage underneath, fueled by route recognition, footwork and play strength.”
Despite his strengths, Barron isn’t without limitations. He sometimes struggles with deep recovery speed and can get too handsy in man coverage at the top of routes.
The Packers’ cornerback situation requires attention regardless of Alexander’s status. The team faces potential losses in their secondary depth, with Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine, and Robert Rochell all heading toward unrestricted free agency in March.
Zierlein believes Barron’s versatility could be particularly valuable. “The size and tape work in his favor as a physical nickel who can be an early contributor and future starter,” he explains, “with the potential to cross-train as a safety.”
Green Bay’s decision on Alexander will likely shape their draft strategy — but Barron’s skillset could help fill multiple roles in their defensive backfield.
