The Packers would have all the cornerback help they need.
Indianapolis Colts v Green Bay Packers | Todd Rosenberg/GettyImages
The Green Bay Packers are losing cornerbacks left, right, and center.
Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine, and Robert Rochell departed in free agency, while Nate Hobbs was the only incoming player at the position.
Ballentine and Rochell were backups in Green Bay, while Stokes lost his starting job late last season. However, it’s a different story for Jaire Alexander. He remains under contract, but the Packers are reportedly still trying to trade him. It’s only a matter of time before he becomes the team’s fourth cornerback departure this offseason, and the Packers may have to release him.
It would leave Green Bay with Hobbs, Keisean Nixon, and Carrington Valentine, with precious little depth behind them.
General manager Brian Gutekunst has plenty to focus on in the draft, including edge-rusher, wide receiver, and maybe even a surprise offensive line selection. Cornerback must also sit near the top of the list.
Fortunately, a recent mock draft would help the Packers take a giant step toward addressing the problem.
Packers land perfect Jaire Alexander replacement Jahdae Barron in 2025 NFL mock draft
FanSided’s Mike Luciano put together a full NFL mock draft for The Landry Hat, and his Packers selection couldn’t be more perfect. Versatile cornerback Jahdae Barron falls to No. 23, giving Gutekunst an easy choice.
“Green Bay will need secondary help with or without the often-injured Jaire Alexander, and Barron’s ability to play at multiple positions will make him a player that won’t escape the first round,” writes Luciano. “In a weak cornerback class, Barron should be near the top of the Packers’ wishlist.”
He isn’t wrong. The Packers would have rare versatility at the cornerback position, with Barron, Hobbs, and Nixon capable of starting in the slot or on the boundary. Barron also offers experience at safety, providing maximum flexibility for defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. The Texas defensive back made an impressive five interceptions last season.
Barron has superstar potential and could play a similar role to Cooper DeJean, a player Packers fans still rue the team not drafting.
If the Packers prefer Hobbs to play outside, Barron could become a Day 1 starter at nickel. They can reverse those roles if they believe Barron has Pro Bowl potential on the boundary.
Quarterbacks rarely tested Barron in his final season for Texas. When they did, he made them pay. Per PFF, he allowed zero touchdowns, picked off five passes, and gave up a passer rating of just 34.2 last season.
Barron falling to No. 23 overall would be a dream scenario. His arrival would help the Packers immediately level up at cornerback after Alexander’s inevitable departure.
