The Green Bay Packers’ chances of reaching this year’s Super Bowl may depend on the risk taken by general manager Brian Gutekunst regarding the cornerback position.
With significant investments made in former All-Pro Jaire Alexander and the re-signing of Keisean Nixon to cover the slot, there remains a question mark about who will secure the starting role at the other cornerback position. Moreover, the effectiveness of this player in containing threats like Deebo Samuel, Justin Jefferson, or A.J. Brown in crucial moments could be pivotal to the Packers’ success.
With a precise four-month countdown until the commencement of the 2024 NFL season in Brazil, where the Philadelphia Eagles will face off, boasting a lineup comprising quarterback Jalen Hurts and a formidable trio of receivers in A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and DeVante Parker, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley can find solace in the ample time at his disposal.
“We’re engaging in individual training sessions on the field,” Hafley remarked on Monday. “I must commend Ansley for his excellent work with the players.
“Speaking specifically about Ja, he’s shown great dedication, consistently attending sessions and displaying exceptional effort. He’s excelled in classroom sessions and his performance in drills has been commendable. Stokes is another player who has caught my eye; his speed and skills on film are impressive, and he’s continued to impress during our sessions. Valentine has also shown promise with his performance. Overall, players like Keisean have also demonstrated their abilities.”
Considering their draft positions, Stokes appears to be the natural choice as the second cornerback alongside Alexander. Selected in the first round of the 2021 draft, Stokes proved his worth with notable performances, earning recognition as an all-rookie player. According to Sports Info Solutions, he maintained a low 46.2 percent completion rate and allowed only 5.3 yards per target in his debut season.
However, instead of progressing in his career, it has taken a downturn. Stokes struggled, allowing a 73.9 percent completion rate and 10.8 yards per target in 2022, during which he missed the final eight games due to a foot injury. In 2023, despite playing in only three games due to multiple stints on injured lists, he still struggled, with a 71.4 percent completion rate and 10.7 yards per target.
With both Alexander and Stokes sidelined due to injuries last year, Valentine was unexpectedly thrust into the lineup. As a rookie seventh-round pick, he showed promise at times, recording a 51.1 percent completion rate and allowing 6.6 yards per target, according to SIS.
However, the perception of his season might have been different had certain plays unfolded differently. For instance, if Chargers’ Quentin Johnston hadn’t dropped a potential 70-yard touchdown pass in the final half-minute, or if Valentine had been penalized for an obvious pass interference against Marquez Valdes-Scantling and the Chiefs inside the 10-yard line.
Without that stroke of luck, the Packers might have ended the season with a 7-10 record, and their impressive playoff victory over the Cowboys would never have materialized.
Nevertheless, Gutekunst disagreed with the notion that he was taking a risk by relying on cornerbacks.
“Valentine performed admirably for us last season, and Eric is currently showing great promise,” he stated following the draft. “We’ve also brought back Corey Ballentine, who contributed solid performances. So, I’m satisfied with the depth we have at that position. While we would have been open to adding more if the opportunity arose, it simply didn’t present itself.”
“At the same time, I didn’t feel a pressing need to aggressively address that position because I have a lot of confidence in the players we currently have in that room.”
Gutekunst’s sole addition at cornerback was Kalen King from Penn State, selected in the seventh round. Despite being projected as a first-round pick following an All-American season in 2022, his performance declined significantly in 2023, with only two passes defensed and below-average athleticism displayed at the Scouting Combine.
The question remains: Can someone from the existing cornerback group step up to the challenge in the next four months against the formidable Eagles? A.J. Brown has consistently averaged around 1,200 yards over five seasons, DeVonta Smith around 1,050 yards over three seasons, and DeVante Parker has a 1,200-yard season under his belt as well.
Can any player from the existing group effectively contain threats like the Vikings’ Jefferson and Jordan Addison, the Bears’ D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze, the 49ers’ Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aikuk (assuming no trade occurs), or the Seahawks’ D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba? The list seems endless, with almost every team boasting at least one outstanding receiver, and most playoff teams equipped with top-tier quarterbacks.
For the Packers to secure their first Super Bowl victory since 2010, they’ll need to neutralize these potent passing offenses. Can Stokes, who hasn’t managed to break up a single pass since his rookie season, maintain his health and regain his previous form? Will Valentine show significant improvement in his second year? And can King perform at an elite level? These questions will be critical factors in the Packers’ quest for championship success.
Alternatively, could there be complete disorder?
These questions will begin to be addressed once organized team activities commence in a fortnight.
“At present, I’d like to emphasize,” Hafley remarked, “that the entire defense has focused on the three key elements we emphasize: attitude, effort, and commitment. These are within their control, and they’ve demonstrated commendable dedication in these areas. Their effort on the field has been exemplary, showing commitment to the team and each other, with a considerable amount of energy evident during our sessions.”
