The Green Bay Packers are set to open training camp later this month. This is the last in a series of articles previewing the Packers position by position, analyzing the talent on the roster and discussing key questions that are facing the team as they begin preparation for the 2024 season. Today we will examine the cornerback position. We will preview another position each day until the start of training camp.

To see our preview of the quarterbacks, click here and for defensive tackles, click here, click here for running backs, here for linebackers, here for tight end, and for offensive linemen, click here, here for defensive end, here for special teams, here for safety, and here for wide receiver.

Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Cornerback, Projected Starters: Jaire Alexander

Last season was a tough one for Jaire Alexander. The former Louisville star played only seven games, mostly due to injuries. The Packers also suspended the two-time Pro Bowler one game for conduct detrimental to the team.

Alexander seems to have responded to the suspension well. He attended voluntary OTAs and has said all the right things this during the offseason.

Alexander remains the Packers best cover corner when healthy. Having him on the field and playing well with the right mindset would be a big boost to the Packers pass defense.

Eric Stokes

The coming season will be a vital one for former first-round pick Eric Stokes. The Georgia alum played only 12 total games over the past two seasons due to an assortment of injuries. The Packers sent him to a hamstring specialist to help keep him healthy in 2024.

Stokes struggled when he did play over the last two seasons. He needs to return to the form he showed as a rookie in 2021. Stokes has great speed but needs to improve his ability to track the ball in the air.

If he plays well this season, he can establish himself as a starter for the foreseeable future. If he struggles, he is unlikely to be back in Green Bay next season.

Keisean Nixon

While Keisean Nixon is an All-Pro return specialist, his play at slot corner has been inconsistent. At times, Nixon makes good plays in coverage, at other times, he can be burned badly by receivers.

Last season, opposing quarterbacks completed 77.8 percent of their passes when throwing to receivers covered by Nixon. That number must come down.

Nixon will start training camp as the slot corner, but he will need to be more consistent to keep the job.

Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Cornerback, Projected Backups: Carrington Valentine

Carrington Valentine exceeded expectations as a rookie. The seventh round pick out of Kentucky started 12 games and showed potential in his first season.

Valentine needs to prove he can continue to grow as a player in his second season. He will battle with Stokes for the starting spot opposite Alexander.

At the direction of the coaching staff, Valentine put on weight over the offseason. He also needs to get a better feel for how much physicality he can get away with against receivers without drawing a flag.

Corey Ballentine

Corey Ballentine started six games last season and broke up seven passes. He held opposing quarterbacks to a completion percentage of just 56.3 when they threw to receivers covered by the former Washburn star.

Ballentine gives the Pack experienced depth at cornerback. He can also contribute on special teams.

While Ballentine will have to fight for a roster spot, if he continues to play well, he should be back in Green and Gold this season.

Robert Rochell

Robert Rochell played nine games for the Packers last season and saw action exclusively on special teams. The Central Arkansas alum has played corner with the Rams and even started five games.

He will need a strong camp to earn a roster spot and will need to continue to play well on special teams.

Kalen King

Kalen King was the Packers final selection in this year’s NFL Draft.  A year ago, scouts ranked the Penn State product as one of the top cornerbacks in this year’s draft class before he struggled mightily last season.

If King can regain his previous form, he can be the steal of this year’s draft. The coaching staff is excited about his potential, but he will need a strong preseason to earn a roster spot.

Gemon Green

Gemon Green spent part of last season on the New York Giants practice squad. The Packers signed him as a free agent in April.

The former Michigan star will need a strong performance on special teams to have a chance to make the roster or the practice squad.

Zyon Gilbert

Zyon Gilbert played three games for the New York Giants in 2022 and even started once. The Packers added him to the practice squad in mid-October of 2023, but he did not see any game action with the Pack.

Gilbert attended Florida Atlantic. He will need to make the adjustment to Jeff Hafley’s system and show he can excel in it to earn a spot on either the roster or practice squad.

Three Key Questions for the Packers Cornerback

Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Cornerback: Question One, Who Stars Opposite Jaire Alexander

The primary competitors will be Stokes and Valentine. Both will likely play a role in the defense, but one will have a much bigger one. The competition should be a healthy one and as the Packers say, iron sharpens iron.

Question Two: Does Keisean Nixon Keep the Slot Corner Job?

Nixon has been wildly inconsistent in the slot although the coaches seem to really like his potential. If he struggles in camp, rookie safety Javon Bullard could battle with him for that job.

The Packers may also prefer to save Nixon for his return duties rather than risking him with an extensive role on the defense.

Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Cornerback: Can Eric Stokes Stay Healthy?

Stokes’ career has been disrupted by injuries the last two seasons. He is now at a crossroads and needs to get back on track.

He needs to stay healthy and then needs to play well. If he can clear those hurdles, he could still have a bright NFL future.

 

 

 

Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers

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