After a disappointing 2017 season, the Packers found themselves picking earlier than they would’ve liked in the NFL draft. Looking back it looks to have been worth it. The Packers selected Jaire Alexander who has become one of the best corners in the entire league. Alexander has improved every year since being drafted and looks to continue. After being a pro-bowler and selected as Second-Team All-Pro in 2020, what will Jaire Alexander bring in 2021?
Schedule
Jaire Alexander will have his work cut out for him this year. The Packers’ schedule presents a gauntlet of elite receivers for Jaire. The wideouts Alexander could end up facing include:
- Michael Thomas
- Diontae Johnson
- Ja’Marr Chase
- Tyler Boyd
- Allen Robinson
- Terry McLaurin
- DeAndre Hopkins
- Tyreek Hill
- DK Metcalf
- Tyler Lockett
- Justin Jefferson
- Adam Thielen
- Robert Woods
- Cooper Kupp
- Odell Beckham Jr.
- Jarvis Landry
The Packers have usually let Jaire Alexander play one side of the field and just be shut down. However, depending on how much trust the team has in Kevin King and Eric Stokes, Jaire Alexander could potentially travel with each teams’ number one.
Improvement
Jaire Alexander was selected to an All-Pro team, but not the one he would’ve liked. Jaire Alexander was not selected as a First-Team All-Pro over Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard. Although Howard and Ramsey are both top-tier corners, Alexander views himself as the best in the game. Alexander is as shut down as you can get. However, if he wants to become a First-Team All-Pro, there is one part of his game he can clearly improve.
Jaire Alexander had one interception all regular season and two in the postseason. Xavien Howard had ten interceptions last season. Howard was targeted 21 more times than Jaire meaning he did have more opportunities, but he recorded nine more interceptions in just 21 more targets. Both players are similar when it comes to the completion percentage allowed.
In 2019 Alexander was tied for the league lead in dropped interceptions. He added a couple of drops last year as well. However, he seems to be showing off his hands in camp so far this year.
Jaire Alexander taking Jets rookie Zach Wilson to school. Alexander undercuts a route against Jets TE Chris Herndon, makes a sliding interception. He’s been playing the ball better than ever in this camp.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) August 19, 2021
Expectation
Jaire Alexander has done a good job staying healthy so far in his career. If that trend continues he should yet again be a shut-down corner. Alexander will look to improve his interception numbers in hopes to make the jump to First-Team All-Pro. He should be a pro-bowler again in 2021 after following up on a great 2020 campaign.
As Always
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