Green Bay Packers: Where will Jaire Alexander, Joshua Jackson play in 2018?

The Green Bay Packers drafted two cornerbacks in successive rounds of the 2018 draft. Looking at their skill sets, how could the Green Bay Packers use Jaire Alexander and Joshua Jackson?

The Green Bay Packers improved their secondary (hypothetically) this past weekend at the 2018 NFL Draft with the selections of Jaire Alexander and Joshua Jackson. Both cornerbacks figure to see plenty of action early and often during the 2018 season. But some see different roles than what they’re used to playing.

The resume of each speaks highly of their abilities. Jackson and Alexander played in two different systems and were therefore asked to carry out different responsibilities. In the NFL, however, it isn’t about where you came from or what you know, it’s about how you perform on the field. When the Packers’ staff observes each player at rookie mini-camp this weekend, they may envision new responsibilities or roles for their first and second round selections.

Which position is best suited for Alexander?

Alexander, who played the majority of his snaps on the outside at Louisville, is projected by many to be the starting nickel cornerback for the Packers – despite playing only 74 snaps in the slot during his college career (per Pro Football Focus). At 5-foot-10, 195 pounds, his smaller frame doesn’t match up well against big-bodied receivers; a primary reason many see him in the slot as a pro. His play style relies on quick, pivoted movements, which are key traits needed when covering slot receivers.

In college, Alexander allowed a passer rating of only 17.7. His competition in the ACC was highly challenging, so his experience is validated. One of his best performances came against Clemson in 2016, especially when considering the tasks of defending quarterback Deshaun Watson and receiver Mike Williams. He ended the game with two tackles, one forced fumble and two interceptions.

Defensive backs’ coach Joe Whitt Jr. will certainly love the tools he has to work with in Alexander. After the departure of Damarious Randall this offseason, the slot cornerback role is currently vacant. Alexander is the leading candidate to replace him, despite his lack of experience at the position in college. Whitt Jr. is one of the best in the business, so expect Alexander to perform at a high level no matter where the Packers place him.

Joshua Jackson: Cornerback, safety or both?

Like Alexander, Jackson played the majority of his snaps at outside cornerback, but is said to possess the skill set to play the safety position as well. As Peter Bukowski pointed out, Jackson was announced as a ‘defensive back’ rather than ‘cornerback’ when selected during the draft. Could this suggest the Packers have other plans for the talented playmaker?

Jackson was one of three finalists for the Jim Thorpe award in 2017, which is given to the best defensive back in all of college football. He fell slightly short to Alabama’s Minkah Fitzpatrick, an outcome no one should be ashamed of. Jackson led the NCAA in interceptions (eight) and allowed a passer rating of just 36.5 on 91 targets – a lower rating than if quarterbacks were to just throw it at the ground (39.6). He also caused an impressive 18 pass breakups.

The Packers have an abundance of capable cornerbacks, potentially pushing Jackson into a separate role. After all, there can only be 11 players on the field at a time. Kevin King will assuredly lock down the No. 1 spot, with Jackson, Alexander, Lenzy Pipkins, Tramon Williams, and Davon House battling for the second, third, and fourth spots on the depth chart.

Has any of this rung a bell yet? Jackson is a larger, more athletic Micah Hyde. Coincidentally, Hyde is also a former Hawkeye and served the Packers well during his four years with the team. Similarly to Hyde, Jackson fits the mold as a do-it-all safety. Green Bay missed Hyde as their plug and play chess piece last season, as he went on to a pro bowl season with the Buffalo Bills.

Over a year later, Jackson might execute Hyde’s former role very capably. He excels in zone coverage and has the size to match up with tight ends. He also has experience against sizable competition, showing off his elite ball skills against Ohio State with three interceptions. His best ability is exhibited when reacting to the opposing quarterback’s eyes and movements, thanks to his top-notch instincts.

Jackson’s man cover skills aren’t his strongest suit, but in the hybrid safety/corner role, he wouldn’t need to rely on just man coverage. He wasn’t asked to play a lot of it at Iowa, but he has long arms and a tall frame; perfect for pressing receivers at the line of scrimmage. In the end, you can coach technique, but you can’t teach size and speed.

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Mike Pettine’s defensive scheme has shown in the past that man coverage is a pillar of its success. Perhaps Jackson enacting the ‘Micah Hyde role’ would be most beneficial for the Packers’ defense. King and Williams on the outsides, Alexander in the slot, and Jackson roaming around covering tight ends and playing center field. Sounds like a plan to me.