Green Bay Packers' defensive X-factor stepping up in fall camp

The cornerback position is going to have to step up this season if the Green Bay Packers want to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

They let go of All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander. To be fair to the Packers, he could never stay healthy. Still, losing even the thought of Alexander being on the field was a big blow for the cornerback depth chart, but the Packers did that with the idea that the players they have on the roster are capable of stepping up.

Of course, signing Nate Hobbs was a big deal. He's never been a star, but he's proven to be a physical presence already for the Packers this preseason. Green Bay is also putting faith in former kick return specialist Keisean Nixon to be a true No. 1.

That may be a stretch, but Nixon, at the very least, has the confidence to take on the challenge.

And then there's Carrington Valentine, a seventh-round pick in 2023 who has made the most of every single opportunity he's gotten since the Packers drafted him.

Valentine notched 32 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles last season for the Packers. He's a little bit of a "boom or bust" player at cornerback, but taking the football away is a huge part of defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley's scheme, and Valentine has proven to be able to do that.

Speaking of, Valentine picked off quarterback Jordan Love at this past Friday evening's Family Night practice, which marked his fourth interception of training camp.

Yes, it's early, but his performance has caused head coach Matt LaFleur to take notice.

"Another guy that's making the most of his opportunities. I love how he competes and he's done it from Day 1. He's really invested the time into this thing. He's transformed his body as well," LaFleur said after Family Night, according to the team website. "Really excited about what he's been able to do and really excited to see him throughout the course of the preseason."

The Packers have legitimate stars with the ability to take the ball away on their defense. Safety Xavier McKinney notched eight interceptions last season and second-year linebacker Edgerrin Cooper has superstar potential and can make plays all over the field.

What the Packers are missing is a true lockdown cornerback, and while Valentine may not be that in its most pure form, his ability to create takeaways makes him an X-factor for this Green Bay defense.

If Valentine can keep stealing the ball from the offense, he'll provide a major boost to the Packers, and what looks to be a weakness of the defense could end up being a major positive.