Coming into training camp, the strongest unit for the Green Bay Packers looked to be their cornerback group. Star Jaire Alexander was atop the depth chart, followed by veteran Rasul Douglas and when healthy, 2021 first-round pick Eric Stokes.
To say it was an uphill climb for seventh-round pick Carrington Valentine to make the roster at cornerback would be an understatement. The deck was certainly stacked against him, but he has made the most of all of his opportunities.
During the spring, he was one of the standouts during practice. That performance has carried over into training camp, where he has once again been making waves with his play. So much so, that he has quickly ascended the depth chart.
With Alexander sitting out the team portion of practice recently, taking part only in individual drills, and Stokes on the physically unable to perform list, an opportunity was open. Valentine seized it, surpassing Corey Ballentine in the process.
“I don’t know what to make of it,” Valentine said after practice Monday in Green Bay. “I know they just tell me to go out there and do it. Wherever they put me in, ones, twos, threes, I just know I’m going to go out there and compete.”
Valentine has been running with the first-team defense, quite an achievement for a seventh-round pick this early in training camp. But, he continues to prove the Packers’ coaches right for the decision with his play on the field.
During the joint practice against his hometown Cincinnati Bengals, Valentine was once again making plays. During the red zone portion of the practice, he made two pass breakups with the first team, taking the reps that would have normally gone to Alexander.
With the Packers unlikely to push Alexander to play in the preseason game against the Bengals on Friday, it could very well be Valentine in the starting lineup. It will be another chance for him to cement his standing on the depth chart, as he is quickly developing into a player the coaching staff trusts.
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