Green Bay Packers: 5 Toughest matchups for Jaire Alexander in 2019

GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 16: Jaire Alexander #23 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after making a defensive stop during the first quarter of a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on September 16, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 16: Jaire Alexander #23 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after making a defensive stop during the first quarter of a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on September 16, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 16: Stefon Diggs #14 of the Minnesota Vikings catches the ball for a 13 yard touchdown reception in the first quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 16: Stefon Diggs #14 of the Minnesota Vikings catches the ball for a 13 yard touchdown reception in the first quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

2. Stefon Diggs, Week 2 and 16

Minneosta Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs has had an interesting career thus far. Drafted in the fifth round in 2015, Diggs has been an outstanding receiver while on the field. The biggest issue has been injuries. Diggs has missed nine games in his career thus far, mostly due to soft tissue injuries. That said, his explosive ability and route running make him one of the most dangerous weapons in the NFL.

It’s arguable whether Diggs or Adam Thielen is the true No. 1 receiver for Minnesota. In any case, many believe Diggs to be the more talented wideout, with the ability to score any time he touches the ball. He sees most of his work underneath, utilized with bubble screens, crossing routes and short slants. Last season, Diggs caught 102 passes for 1,021 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging just 10.0 yards per catch.

Alexander didn’t spend much time covering Diggs last season, mainly because of his assignment with Thielen, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see defensive coordinator Mike Pettine delegate most of the attention to Diggs. In fact, we could see one game where Alexander spends the majority of the time against Thielen with the other against Diggs. Pettine is well-known for mixing up his game plans.