Green Bay Packers: Jaire Alexander already showing why he was a first-round pick
Jaire Alexander is already performing to his potential within the Green Bay Packers secondary.
The swagger of cornerback Jaire Alexander was noticeable right away following his first-round selection in April’s draft. Currently, he’s living up to it at Green Bay Packers‘ training camp after accomplishing the rare feat of picking off Aaron Rodgers at Monday’s practice.
During the 11 on 11 stage, the 5-foot-10 playmaker out of Louisville undercut a crossing route by Randall Cobb to secure the turnover. It was his first interception of camp, but here’s hoping it won’t be his last.
Alexander is battling four other guys for the starting cornerback job opposite of Kevin King. His competition includes veterans Tramon Williams and Davon House but we also can’t rule out fellow rookie Josh Jackson. Alexander has a leg up at the moment thanks to the play he made to start the week.
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“I seen Cobb coming out,” Alexander recollected shortly after practice. “I think he had some kind of option route, whether he’d go inside or outside, and I just had a good break on it. I’m pretty quick with my breaks so I exploded out and I made a play on the ball.”
When he made the play Alexander was lined up on the boundary, but he’s also spent time in the slot. His smaller frame makes him a better fit for the inside, however, the ability to move around will make it harder for defensive coordinator Mike Pettine to keep him off the field.
On the flip side, Rodgers was looking forward to going after the young corners once training camp came around. So far, at least for one play, Alexander got the better of him.
They’re talking a lot, so I’m going to have to dice them up once we get down to it,” Rodgers said in early June. “(But) I like to see the confidence, I really do. That’s how you want your corners — to play with that swagger, that confidence.
Five days in Rodgers has been prone to an uncharacteristic amount of turnovers. His unofficial interception total is now up to seven.
Aaron Rodgers intercepted again by Ha Ha Clinton-Dix during a team period. This is Rodgers’ second practice with three interceptions. He’s been picked seven times. #Packers
— Michael Cohen (@Michael_Cohen13) July 30, 2018
The quarterback stated he would test the young guys, but so far Alexander has passed through the first phase. The young superstar doesn’t need much of a confidence boost though he did admit it felt good to intercept an MVP quarterback.
“I’ll be more excited when I do it in a game. I’ll leave at that. It feels good, though. I’m not going to lie. It does feel good,” he said.
He’s only a week away from his first opportunity, as the Packers are slated to take on the Tennessee Titans Aug. 9 to kick off their preseason schedule.
It will be our first glimpse look at Green Bay’s reformed defense and what they have in rookie corners Jackson and Alexander.