Safety Emerges as Potential Draft Target in New Defensive Scheme
As the 2021 NFL Draft approaches, the Green Bay Packers find themselves at a crossroads with their defensive backfield, particularly at the cornerback position. While the team retains its entire 2020 defensive backfield, including reserves, the future beyond the upcoming season demands careful consideration.
At the forefront of the cornerback group stands fourth-year pro Jaire Alexander, fresh off a breakout season that earned him second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. Alexander’s exceptional coverage skills and ability to shut down opposing teams’ top receivers have solidified his place as a cornerstone of the Packers’ defense.
Despite recording just one interception in the regular season, Alexander’s impact was undeniable, as evidenced by his team-leading 13 passes defended. His stellar performance marked the first time a Packers cornerback achieved All-Pro recognition since Charles Woodson in 2011. He also joined an elite group of Packers cornerbacks, including Herb Adderley and Willie Buchanon, who earned Pro Bowl selections within their first three seasons.
The Packers are expected to exercise Alexander’s fifth-year option, securing his services for two more years, with long-term contract extension talks likely to follow. However, the long-term outlook for the cornerback position remains uncertain. Kevin King, entering his fifth year, returns on a one-year deal after testing free agency, while third cornerback Chandon Sullivan is also back on a one-year restricted free agent tender.
King’s 2020 season fell short of the high bar he set in 2019 when he intercepted five passes and missed only one game. His performance was hampered by injuries, including a back issue that significantly hindered him in the NFC Championship game.
Sullivan, meanwhile, has been a consistent contributor over the past two seasons. He has emerged as a reliable option, starting 10 regular-season games last season and even recording his first career pick-six.
This uncertain situation at cornerback beyond the upcoming season elevates the position to a high priority in the upcoming draft.
The Packers have several young prospects on the roster, but their potential remains largely untapped.
Josh Jackson, a 2018 second-round draft pick, and Ka’dar Hollman, a sixth-rounder from 2019, have been given opportunities on defense and special teams. However, both players ended the previous season as healthy scratches on game day.
KeiVarae Russell, after spending three years with the Cincinnati Bengals, joined the Packers’ practice squad in late October 2020. He earned a promotion to the active roster during the playoffs, primarily contributing on special teams.
Stanford Samuels, an undrafted rookie from Florida State, spent his entire rookie season on the practice squad, with two game-day elevations.
Kabion Ento, an undrafted rookie wide receiver from Colorado who transitioned to cornerback, spent the 2019 season on the practice squad and missed the entirety of the 2020 season due to a training camp injury.
The Packers’ approach to the cornerback position in the draft could be influenced by new defensive coordinator Joe Barry’s defensive scheme. Barry emphasizes the nickel or slot cornerback position, referring to it as the “star” position due to its diverse responsibilities. While Alexander and Sullivan are potential candidates for the role, Darnell Savage, a 2019 first-round pick, cannot be ruled out.
Savage’s skillset, which includes tackling, blitzing, and coverage abilities, makes him a potential fit for Barry’s “star” position. Should Savage emerge as the best option for the role, the Packers’ focus in the draft might shift towards safeties as much as cornerbacks.
At safety, the Packers appear well-stocked with the veteran presence of Adrian Amos and the rising talent of Savage. The duo combined for six interceptions in the 2020 season, with Amos adding another in the playoffs.
Key reserves Will Redmond, a special-teams standout, and Vernon Scott, a rookie seventh-round pick from TCU, are also returning. Redmond re-signed as an unrestricted free agent, while Scott gained valuable experience on defense and special teams during his rookie season.
Undrafted rookie Henry Black from Baylor saw action in eight games last season, making notable contributions on special teams. Scott’s former TCU teammate, Innis Gaines, signed a reserve/future contract in January, adding further depth to the safety position.
S Trevon Moehrig – TCU
The Packers’ need to address the long-term future of the cornerback position, combined with the potential for schematic changes under a new defensive coordinator, makes the 2021 NFL Draft crucial for the future of the Green Bay Packers’ secondary.
