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Green Bay Packers 2018 roster battles

By Gage Bridgford

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 08: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 08: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WI – NOVEMBER 06: Ameer Abdullah #21 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball against Kevin King #20 of the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter at Lambeau Field on November 6, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI – NOVEMBER 06: Ameer Abdullah #21 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball against Kevin King #20 of the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter at Lambeau Field on November 6, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

2. Cornerback

Of the cornerbacks on the roster, Kevin King is the only one nearly locked into his position. Barring injury or severe regression, he will be one of the two starting corners after camp. Tramon Williams, Josh Jackson, Jaire Alexander and Davon House all have the possibility of winning the number two spot alongside him.

King was given a shot at the starting job early last season and played as well as could be expected. He dealt with typical rookie adjustments along with a shoulder injury for the majority of the season. Heading into this year, he’ll have another year under his belt to adjust to the NFL style of play, along with a system that is more developed for the modern game.

Tramon Williams continued to play well despite his advanced age as he finished last season as the ninth overall corner per Pro Football Focus. Albeit in a limited role, this shows that he still can contribute at a high level. He has also played in Mike Pettine’s system before, which will help both he and the other players. Even if Williams gets a spot early in the season as a starter, he won’t be a full-time player.

Jackson is the prototype outside corner with good size and long arms. What he lacks in speed, he makes up for in athleticism, as evidenced by plays like the one below. Jackson is the most likely to push for the outside spot across from King. He was one of the strongest corners in the nation last season and had a nose for the ball with 26 combined pass breakups and interceptions. He’ll take some time to adjust to the NFL speed like most corners do, but he could quickly earn a starting spot.

Alexander has a strong chance to start in the slot right away, although he has the ability to start inside or outside. The Packers have lacked a strong presence in the slot since they allowed Casey Hayward to walk two offseasons ago. Alexander brings an attitude and skill set that this defense needs to change it’s identity around. As long as he performs up to his ability level, he’ll be a day one starter in the slot.

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