Green Bay Packers: Midseason report card grades for each position
By Joe Kipp
Cornerbacks: B
The cornerback position has been both a blessing and a curse for the Packers in 2019. While second-year corner Jaire Alexander is playing at a Pro Bowl level, fellow corner Kevin King has been far too inconsistent.
Alexander has been one of the NFL’s best players in coverage this season, shutting down opposing receivers week after week. With the exception of facing Dallas Cowboys receiver Amari Cooper in Week 5, Alexander has arguably been the Packers’ best player on defense in every game. He’s only allowed a passer rating of 87.0 and is allowing a catch rate of just 50.9 percent. Alexander is easily Green Bay’s best cornerback, even on his worst day.
Meanwhile, King has been a model of inconsistency. Far too many times we’ve seen King bite on double moves this season, especially against smaller-bodied receivers. He’s been dealing with a nagging groin injury, but King will need to pick up his play down the stretch if the Packers want to have a truly great secondary.
Backups Tramon Williams and Chandon Sullivan have both been quietly excellent, especially considering Williams’ age. At 36 years old, Williams is the oldest player on the team, but has played 368 total snaps. His consistency in coverage has been excellent, especially considering most of his work has come from the slot.
Behind Williams and Sullivan are backups Tony Brown and Josh Jackson. Both have been liable when on the field. Brown is allowing a perfect passer rating (158.3) when targeted in coverage. Jackson is allowing a 151.4 passer rating. Overall, the entire group gets a B because of inconsistency from a few key players.