Green Bay Packers 2018 NFL Draft: Day 1 grade

The Green Bay Packers decided to go secondary with pick number 18 as they selected Jaire Alexander of Louisville. What grade did he and the Packers receive?

The Green Bay Packers wound up trading up in the draft after all, just not as expected. Not long after acquiring the New Orleans Saints No. 27 pick, the Packers traded with the Seattle Seahawks for the 18th overall pick. With that, they selected Louisville cornerback Jaire Alexander.

It was an odd choice that many people didn’t expect. With Derwin James on the board at pick, 14 it seemed as if the Packers had their man fall to them. After passing him up via trade, the Packers also could’ve had Mike Hughes or Josh Jackson at pick 18 so they must see a lot of potential in Alexander.

At 5-foot-10 and 196 pounds, Alexander is one of the hardest hitters in the draft among secondary players. His overall athleticism and toughness will add much-needed physicality and talent to the Packers secondary. His high awareness and instincts may help him become an instant playmaker for the Packers.

His nose for the football is something that should excite Packers fans. Over three years as a Cardinal, Alexander registered seven interceptions in 29 games played. He also defended 15 passes in those 29 games.

Besides being a ball hawk, Alexander is a willing tackler. His aggressiveness and ability to get to the football mentality shows when he comes in on plays. With that, his plus strength for a corner helped him strip balls and force a fumble in college. There are reports that say he has a bit of an edge to him which is a key reason he doesn’t shy away from tackles.

While in coverage he has light feet and is very quick on them. This shows with how well he stays in receivers pockets. He also communicates well with teammates according to other scouting reports.

Now, his size at 5-foot-10 may concern some fans. The Packers have done this before in the past and it hasn’t paid off much. However, there is just something different about Alexander. He has a drive to win like no other and the way he plays the games shows. He has all the tangibles to be great, he must now prove he can hang with the bigger and faster NFL receivers.

Some concerns for Alexander include injuries. He only played in six games last season which made tape tricky for scouts to watch and assess. He also played very grabby in college which means he was beaten on a rout. That won’t fly in the NFL, therefore he must be able to adjust when beat to avoid a flag. Lastly, he may be a good tackler but he needs to do a better job getting off of blockers.

Overall the Packers needed desperate help in two areas, secondary and edge rushing. One of those needs were knocked off with a solid prospect. The way he is built to play the game should fit just fine in Mike Pettine’s defense. This pick also loads up the Packers secondary along with Kevin King, Tramon Williams, Devon House and Quinten Rollins.

Next: Pros and cons of picking Jaire Alexander

Grade: A

Alexander can’t be given an A+ right off the bat. There are too many concerns that comes with him. However, the good in his game overlooks his flaws far more. Besides, the Packers filled an area of need with a stellar talent while also gaining a first round pick in next years draft. Have yourself a night, Brian Gutekunst.