This is the next in a series of articles providing an in-depth analysis of each position group on the Green Bay Packers for 2024. Today we will analyze the secondary. The grades will be for each unit as a whole, but we will give an analysis of each player, their strengths and weaknesses and where they stand heading into the offseason. Here are the grades for the Packers secondary in 2024. The marks are based on a combination of expectations and performance.

You can see our final grade for the quarterbacks here and for the defensive line here. The running backs are here, the linebackers here, tight ends here, defensive ends here, and the offensive line here.

Over the course of the season, the Packers secondary ranked 13th in the NFL in passing yards per game with 215.2. They also finished third in the league with 17 interceptions.

Final Grades for the 2024 Packers Secondary: Starting Cornerbacks

This was not a great season for Jaire Alexander. He appeared in just seven games for the second consecutive season as injuries derailed his season. The Louisville alum intercepted two passes including his first career pick six. He also broke-up seven passes and recovered a fumble.

Alexander seemed close to returning several times and practiced but swelling in his injured knee prevented him from playing for the rest of the season.

When he was healthy, he remained the Packers best cover corner. Opposing quarterbacks completed just 56.7 percent of their passes when throwing to receivers covered by Alexander and had a quarterback rating of 86.9 according to pro-football-reference.com.

At the end of the year, he made a statement that cast doubt on his return to Green Bay in 2025. The Packers have a major decision to make on Alexander which will have a major impact on the secondary.

Carrington Valentine started the season on the bench but started seven games after Alexander was hurt. He intercepted two passes, broke-up five and forced two fumbles. While opposing quarterbacks completed 76.7 percent of their passes when throwing to receivers covered by Valentine, their quarterback rating was just 80.1.

Valentine likes to be physical off the snap and play press coverage. The Packers hope he continues to grow into a quality starting cornerback in year three of his NFL career.

Keisean Nixon started the season as the slot corner but moved to the perimeter when Alexander was injured. The coaching staff valued his versatility. He played all 17 games and started 15 of them. The South Carolina star intercepted one pass, forced three fumbles and broke-up seven passes. He also recorded three sacks on blitzes.

Nixon enjoyed his best season in coverage. Opposing quarterbacks completed just 57.5 percent of their passes when throwing to receivers covered by Nixon and had a quarterback rating of only 78.9.

After the playoff loss to the Eagles, Nixon expressed his desire to be the team’s top corner next season and didn’t want to return kicks anymore. Whether he should be a top cover corner remains to be seen, but Nixon took a big step forward this season.

Rookie Javon Bullard split time between safety and the slot. He graded out better as a slot defender. Bullard played 15 games and started 11. He recovered one fumble and broke up one pass. He did make 90 total tackles including two tackles for loss.

As a rookie, he played better against the run than in coverage. In fact, opposing quarterbacks completed 85.2 percent of their passes when throwing to receivers covered by Bullard. He needs to improve that number in year two but has a lot of potential and should see a bigger role next season.

Starting Safeties

GM Brian Gutekunst made a huge splash when he signed free agent safety Xavier McKinney this past offseason. McKinney had an immediate impact, intercepting a pass in each of his first five games of the season. He finished the year with eight picks, 11 passes defended, one sack and one fumble recovery.

By mid-season, opposing quarterbacks were reluctant to throw near McKinney. He also provided leadership in the locker room. McKinney was hungry to play for a winner and it showed.

McKinney earned All Pro honors and was voted to the Pro Bowl. He gave the Packers an elite player at safety which was one of their biggest shortcomings a year ago.

Rookie Evan Williams came on strong after being gradually introduced to the lineup. He played 13 games and started six. Williams had one interception, forced a fumble and broke-up three passes.

He plays the run well and is improving in coverage. Opposing quarterbacks completed just 56.7 percent of their passes when throwing to receivers covered by Williams and had a quarterback rating of just 77.8.

Williams has the potential to be a quality starter in this league as he continues to mature and gains experience.

Final Grades for the 2024 Packers Secondary: Primary Backups

Georgia alum Eric Stokes stayed healthy and played in all 17 games and started seven. He didn’t intercept or break up any passes.

Stokes provided depth in the secondary but couldn’t hold the starting job. He will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. If he’s re-signed, it will be as a backup. Unfortunately, injuries prevented Stokes from maintaining the high level of play he showed in his rookie season back in 2021.

Corey Ballentine provides some depth to the Packers secondary while playing extensively on special teams. He started one game and played 15, making six total tackles. He played 76 total snaps on defense in 2024.

More than anything, Ballentine gives the Packers experienced depth at cornerback while excelling on special teams.

Ballentine is an unrestricted free agent. Gutekunst may want reliable and experienced depth in the secondary so it’s possible Ballentine could be back.

Depth in the Secondary

Robert Rochell played 11 games for the Packers but saw all his action on special teams. He made two tackles and recovered a fumble. Rochelle is also an unrestricted free agent.

Zayne Anderson got a chance to play on defense when injuries hit the secondary and he played well when given the chance. Unfortunately, he also got hurt and had to sit out a few games after being a pleasant surprise in the two games he started.

Anderson made his first career interception and broke-up two passes while making 16 total tackles. He remains a strong contributor on special teams.

Rookie Kitan Oladapo played nine games and made seven total tackles. The safety played 68 snaps on defense and 65 more on special teams as he adjusted to life in the NFL. He hopes to earn a bigger role next season.

Kalen King spent all of his first season on the practice squad. He was elevated for a game but did not play. King will fight for a roster spot at cornerback next season.

Final Grades for the Packers 2024 Secondary

There was improvement in the secondary with rookies and free agents stepping up and playing a significant role. The corners were more physical off the snap under Jeff Hafley. While the Packers still played predominantly zone, they were less passive than they were in 2023.

The loss of Alexander for more than half the season hurt, but players like Nixon and Valentine stepped up and did a respectable job.

We can see significant changes in 2025 if Alexander isn’t back. Gutekunst will likely add talent here early in the draft or via free agency

 

FINAL GRADE: B

 

 

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