It’ll be interesting to find out who the Packers Primary Slot CB will be in 2022. Eric Stokes, the Packers 2021 1st round selection, is almost a sure-fire lock to remain on the boundary. Stokes, with his long arms and excellent vertical speed, naturally fits outside. With Stokes locked in on the perimeter, let’s explore Green Bay’s options at Nickel CB for next season.

Jaire Alexander

Alexander is one of the best DB’s in football and is talented enough to play outside on the boundary, inside slot or Safety, if needed. Similar to Charles Woodson, Jaire Alexander has the intellect, physical ability and football instincts to succeed, no matter where he’s lined up on the field. During his 4 seasons with the Packers, the star Cornerback has primarily lined up on the outside, usually matching up with a teams best opposing receiver. If the Packers decided to make Alexander their primary Nickel DB in 2022, they would have to feel really good about their outside Corners. The most likely path that leads to Alexander playing a lot of snaps inside would be if Green Bay re-signs Free agent CB Rasul Douglas. A healthy trio of Stokes, Douglas and Alexander would make things very challenging for opposing teams’ passing attacks.

Shemar Jean-Charles

The 5’10, 185 pound DB from Appalachian State has the right measurables to play in the slot. Jean-Charles, a 5th round pick in 2021, didn’t see an abundance of defensive snaps last season, only playing on 4% of all defensive plays. Green Bay did utilize him on Special Teams, where he played on approximately 63% of snaps.

Jean-Charles will be going into his 2nd NFL season in 2022. With now a full year under his belt in Packers Defensive Coordinator’s Joe Barry’s system, one would think the young cornerback should be more comfortable and play quicker. However, how good Jean-Charles really is remains a mystery. If he takes a huge leap from Year 1 to Year 2, as some players do, expect him to be in the thick of the slot DB competition.

Chandon Sullivan

If the Packers choose to re-sign Sullivan, he could definitely be the primary slot Cornerback for another season. The 25 year old has made a fair share of nice contributions during his time with the Packers, which encompasses 3 seasons from 2019-2021. Currently an unrestricted free agent, it remains to be seen what happens with Sully, who signed a 1 Year Deal last season to remain in Green Bay for 2021.

Darnell Savage

It seems to be a long shot but perhaps the Packers are ready to try Darnell Savage at a different position. One of two Packers first round picks in the 2019 draft, along with standout edge-rusher Rashan Gary, Savage has showed flashes of his brilliant talent during his first 3 seasons with the Packers. With that said, I do believe Green Bay desires more. It appears that there is untapped potential with Savage, still only 24 years old and it’s up to the Packers to get the most out of him in 2022.

Someone Else

If the Packers allow Douglas and Sullivan to be signed elsewhere in free agency, in addition to the likely departure of free agent CB Kevin King, Jean-Charles becomes the logical guy to play Nickel DB with Stokes and Alexander on the boundary. However, if it’s determined during OTA’s and Training Camp that Jean-Charles isn’t ready, the Packers may need a plan in place to have someone else. Who that player is, or where he comes from, remains to be seen, if it happens at all.

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Alex grew up in a family of Chicago Bears fans in the suburbs of Chicago but was always a Packers guy. Alex\'s AIM name when he was in elementary/middle school was PackerAlex. He now lives in Nashville, Tennessee and you can follow him on twitter at @Alex_Mayer93.

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