The Green Bay Packers had an impressive 2023 season, but it was a disappointing year for Jaire Alexander. Alexander was solid when he was on the field, but he only appeared in seven games due to injury.
The 27-year-old cornerback is on a four-year $84 million extension, tying him to the Packers franchise through the 2026 season.
He is the star player in their secondary and one of the leaders of the Packers’ defense. Green Bay added two safeties to its defensive backfield with the signing of Xavier McKinney in free agency and Javon Bullard in the draft.
With more talent in the secondary around Alexander, his impact should be seen at a more noticeable level. A new defensive coordinator in Jeff Hafley, who will be more aggressive in playcalling, should also maximize Alexander.
With that said, here is why Alexander is named the top cornerback due to Justin Jefferson.
Jaire Alexander can lock up Justin Jefferson
Alexander was named the top corner due to his ability to lock up Jefferson, one of the best receivers in football.
“He’s been up and down, but he’s always good against Justin Jefferson,” an NFC executive told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. “The guys who match up well with the top guys will always be on the list.”
Alexander ranked seventh on ESPN’s list of the top 10 cornerbacks. The star defensive back has proven to be a lockdown corner, taking away the opposing team’s top receiver when put in man-to-man coverage.
While Alexander struggled to stay on the field in 2023, he is a true shutdown corner. Under Hafley, his full potential could be unlocked.
The previous defensive coordinators of the Packers hesitated to put Alexander in man-to-man coverage.
Joe Barry had questionable play calls, including putting outside linebacker Preston Smith in man coverage. Alexander would often be in zone coverage and not put on the best receiver on the other team.
Having Hafley, a more aggressive play-caller who will also utilize man coverage, will put Alexander in a position to shine.
One negative thing about Alexander in the past was that he sometimes put himself first. Alexander seems to have matured as a player and will be team-first in 2024.
Alexander stated, “Just going into Year 7. I’m trying not to make it as much about myself and just do what’s best for the team.”
With Jaire Alexander in a good mindset, more talent around him, and a new defensive coordinator, he should live up to the hype and be one of the best corners in the league.
