Pat McAfee and AJ Hawk getting Aaron Rodgers onto "The Pat McAfee Show" on a regular basis has been one of the most entertaining aspects of the show. For better or worse, fans are able to get to know the future Hall of Fame quarterback in a way that is not typical of most other athletes. In his latest appearance, Rodgers addressed the offseason and what he experienced with the team during mandatory minicamp. When discussing the young wide receivers, Rodgers actually had high praise for the Packers’ cornerback trio of Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, and Rasul Douglas.
It Is the Defense’s Turn to Put the Offense Through the Ringer
Eric Stokes was the first round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2018. During his first reps with the team, Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams picked on him constantly. It was not out of any sort of malice, but to make him a better player. As a result, and in combination with his own superior talent, Alexander emerged as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. This was cemented this offseason when he signed a four-year $84M contract extension.
Just How Good Are the Packers Cornerback Trio?
If one were to say that the Green Bay Packers have the best cornerback trio in the NFL, one would not be exaggerating. Last month, Pro Football Focus (PFF) released its top 32 cornerbacks heading into the 2022 NFL season. The Packers were the only team with three players on that list.
Jaire Alexander: No. 2 Overall Cornerback
One-time Pro Bowler Jaire Alexander came in as the second overall ranked cornerback in the NFL per PFF. Only Jalen Ramsey of the Los Angeles Rams is ranked higher.
Alexander is coming off of a shoulder injury that limited him to just four games last season. However, his past prowess on the field of play has not been forgotten. He will be back and better than ever in 2022.
Eric Stokes: No. 29 Overall Cornerback
As a rookie, Eric Stokes was much better than could have been expected in 2021. As was the case with Alexander, Stokes was frequently matched up with Davante Adams during training camp as a way to put him on trial by fire. It sure paid off!
In 2021, Eric Stokes allowed a meager 49.5% completion percentage when targeted despite having the ball thrown his way 97 times. Opposing quarterbacks had just a 71.3 passer rating when targeting him. Stokes ended the season with one interception, 14 passes deflected and 55 total tackles.
Of Stokes, PFF stated:
“The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder finished 2021 among the 25 most valuable cornerbacks in the NFL, according to PFF WAR. He allowed the lowest rate of separation on his targets leaguewide (24.0%) and ranked 15th at the position in yards per target (5.9). All the press experience he got in college is paying off, with him allowing just seven receptions on 27 targets when playing in press.”
The goal for Stokes this year is to come down with more interceptions. There were several instances last season when he dropped potential interceptions or did not turn his body around in time to complete the play. Do not be surprised to see Stokes higher on this list next offseason.
Rasul Douglas: No. 32 Overall Cornerback
The Green Bay Packers plucked Rasul Douglas off on the practice squad of the Arizona Cardinals due to injuries to Jaire Alexander and other secondary players. The move paid off immediately as Douglas secured the game-winning interception for the Packers against his former team in the first game he played for Green Bay.
After joining the Packers, Douglas quickly became one of the most exciting defenders to watchin in all of football. In just 12 games, he had five interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. Additionally, 13 pass deflections and 57 tackles while holding opposing quarterbacks to a 44.5 passer rating. Only 50% of passes thrown his way found their mark.
The Packers rewarded Douglas’ production with a three-year contract worth $21M. The former Super Bowl champion credited the Packers’ coaching staff, particularly Jerry Gray, for resurrecting his career.
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