It is no surprise to anyone that the Green Bay Packers have some question marks with their cornerbacks. Last season, the Packers cornerbacks only intercepted one pass and let up fourteen total touchdowns. To say that this group needs some TLC would be an understatement.
Earlier this offseason, Brian Gutekunst didn’t think as much. The Packers general manager said that the group didn’t need “wholesale” change. Of course, action speaks louder than words. After he said that the group didn’t need a ton of change, Gutekunst proceeded to make several changes. The Packers cut Nate Hobbs and signed Benjamin St. Juste. They also drafted two cornerbacks: Brandon Cisse in the second round and Domani Jackson in the sixth round.
In other words, “wholesale” change didn’t take place, but it nearly did. I say nearly because Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine are still on the team. One of which will likely play a huge role this season.
Packers Pass Rush Help
Last season, when Micah Parsons was on the field, the cornerbacks played pretty well. But, of course, they only had to defend the pass for just a couple of seconds before the pass rush would get to the opposing quarterback.
However, when Parsons went down, the pass rush went down went down with him. The Packers defensive line just couldn’t get to the quarterback at a high rate like they did before. Because of that, the likes of Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine had to defend the pass longer. So, of course, the performance of the corners dropped… a ton.
That isn’t to say that Nixon and Valentine aren’t good corners but for them to perform well, they need to have a good defensive line in front of them. In other words, the Packers can improve their overall cornerback room.
Cornerback Help
And that’s what they did. Through the addition of Benjamine St. Juste, Brandon Cisse, and Domani Jackson, the Packers reloaded their depth at the cornerback position. Really, at this point, it honestly comes down to who wins in what is probably considered the most important training camp battle this year.
It isn’t like other years, where there’s a battle between two guys for one spot. Nope. I truly believe that this could be an opportunity for anyone (not just a couple of guys) to seize playing time through how well they perform at training camp and during the preseason games.
Now, the Packers are notorious for giving more playing time to veteran players, but if Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine end up corner one and corner two, then I hope that it is earned. Not just given. I believe that Brandon Cisse is already the best corner on the team. And, even if he doesn’t start to begin the year, he will be by the end of it.
Finally, Domani Jackson has every possibility to be a really good selection for the Packers. Jackson was a five star recruit coming out of high school. If he would have been able to be drafted after 2024, he quite possibly would have been a top end draft pick. That’s how good his 2024 tape was. But, due to inconsistent play, he fell in the draft. If Green Bay can unlock Jackson’s potential, then look out. The Packers could have selected their two starting corners in this year’s NFL draft.
Packers Prediction
So, I’m going to predict that to start the season, the Packers will have Brandon Cisse and Keisean Nixon starting at outside corner with Javon Bullard in the slot. Benjamin St. Juste and Domani Jackson will rotate in and be available for dime situations. But, by the end of the season, Cisse and Jackson will be the Packers two starting corners.
Carrington Valentine may not even make the team, which is kinda crazy!
But as always and no matter what,
Go Pack Go!
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Damon is a diehard, fully-immersed cheesehead who currently lives in southern Missouri. He teaches at a local high school and has a family YouTube channel about all things Packers. You can follow him on twitter at @packersfamily and on YouTube at The Packers Family.
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