2018 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

18. Jaire Alexander, CB, Green Bay Packers

2018 Stats: 66 total tackles, 0.5 sacks, 1 INT, 11 passes defended, 2 fumbles recovered

The Green Bay Packers went into the 2018 offseason in desperate need of an upgrade at cornerback. As it turns out, they got more than they bargained for when Jaire Alexander fell into their laps at No. 18 overall.

The rookie cornerback out of Louisville quickly proved that he should have come off the board much earlier than he actually did. Earning a starting role in Week 3 and never looking back, Alexander spent the entire season dominating one side of the field for Green Bay. Although we can’t say the same for the other side of the Packers’ defense, Alexander did his job.

The interception numbers weren’t that great, seeing as he only snagged one all season long. However, he did get his hands on 11 other passes and was a menace as both a run defender and occasional blitzer. He racked up 66 totals on the year, and created pressure regularly when he was tabbed to target the quarterback.

The Packers pass defense took a big step forward in 2018, improving from 23rd against the pass to 12th in only a year. Alexander played a big part in that rapid progress, and figures to help Green Bay get even better in the years to come.

Grade: A