Green Bay Packers: 5 Bold predictions for the 2020 season
By Joe Kipp
Green Bay Packers bold prediction No. 2: Jaire Alexander named a first-team All-Pro
Earlier in his career, Jaire Alexander said he’d be a future All-Pro. Assuming he continues on his current career arc, 2020 could be the year his prediction comes true.
Alexander is a rising star. The Packers drafted him in the first round back in 2018, and he’s been nothing but promising ever since his NFL debut. He finished with 17 pass breakups in 2019, tied for fourth among defenders. The young cornerback wasn’t named to the Pro Bowl, but was one of the NFL’s best in man coverage last season.
A big reason Alexander isn’t as well-known as others is likely due to his lack of takeaways. In 29 career games, he’s tallied just three interceptions to his name. Last season alone, there were multiple instances where Alexander dropped an easy interception. If he can convert those opportunities into turnovers, he could easily net six or seven interceptions this coming season.
Packers defense coordinator Mike Pettine is known for employing a heavy man coverage scheme, often relying on his cornerbacks to occupy an island. Alexander should be up to the task. He exudes confidence and has the athleticism to trail receivers step for step. I’m predicting Alexander has a breakout year and is named a first-team All-Pro in 2020.