“It’s gonna be Strap City. We might as well go ahead and start marketing that right now.” Those were the words from Packers all-pro cornerback Jaire Alexander on July 31st. Alexander has never been one to mince words with the media, and especially with opposing players on the field. His confidence in himself and the Packers’ defense (specifically the Packers cornerbacks) hasn’t seemed to have dissipated over the course of training camp. He is right to feel that way, because on that side of the ball, the Packers have an immense amount of talent. Along with all the talent and swagger, comes the potential for the cornerback group to be dominant in 2023.

Meet ‘Strap City’:

Leading the way is Jaire Alexander, who is regarded as one of, if not the best Cornerbacks in the National Football League. He finished the 2022 season with 5 interceptions and 43 solo tackles in 16 games played. With that, he earned a Pro-Bowl nod for the second time in his young career. He looks to build off his performance last season and elevate to an even higher level in 2023.

He is followed by Rasul Douglas, who has undoubtedly revived his career by cementing himself as a key piece of the Packers secondary. He was acquired from the Arizona Cardinals practice squad in the middle of the 2021 season, and since then he hasn’t looked back. In his time with the Packers, he has recorded 9 interceptions(2 of which were pick-6’s), 121 solo tackles, and 1 sack.

2021 first-round draft pick Eric Stokes out of Georgia adds a great deal of talent as well, but it must be noted that he will miss at least the first four games of the season. The Packers placed the 24 year-old on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list as he is still working to return from the ankle injury he sustained in the Week 9 loss in Detroit last season.

Due to Stokes’ absence, Keisean Nixon, who turned heads last year as a dangerous threat in the return game, looks to contribute as the guy holding down the nickel corner slot in the meantime until Stokes returns.

Rounding out the group is rookie Carrington Valentine from Kentucky. Although he was a 7th round selection in April’s NFL Draft, the young man looks very promising as someone Green Bay can eventually count on in the future.

There are very few other teams in the NFL who have the luxury to feel the way the Packers do about their Cornerbacks, as it is widely believed that it is the hardest position to play in football, as well as any other sport for that matter. Expect the Packers to heavily rely on that group as it is arguably the most talented and deepest group on their roster. It is also very coveted, as the Packers are expected to struggle early offensively. The team’s defense, along with ‘Strap City’ needs to lead the way for this years’ Packers, who have the youngest roster in terms of average age in the NFL.