Green Bay Packers 2018 Breakout Candidates

1. Jaire Alexander, Cornerback

Alexander’s breakout ability comes both from his cornerback skills and his strength as a returner. NFL Draft Scout had him as the third-ranked cornerback in this class, while NFL.com had him as an instant starter.

After recent developmental picks such as Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins not panning out, they needed a day one player like Alexander. With the ability to play outside or in the slot, he gives himself a better chance of seeing the field on defense early where he’s shown the skills to make up for his lack of size due to increased athleticism.

Where he has the chance to make an immediate impact is in the return game with his 4.38 speed. In two seasons as a full-time returner, he averaged 10 yards per punt return and returned one for a touchdown. Returner has been a constant position battle since Randall Cobb became a full-time receiver with no one ever grabbing a firm hold on it.

This offseason will be no different. Trevor Davis was the team’s starter at returner, but, if he fails to make the roster, Alexander could fill right in.