The Packers are facing a cornerback crisis heading into 2025. Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes’ futures are uncertain and Robert Rochell and Corey Ballentine are impending free agents. They need to address the secondary big time. The NFL Scouting Combine showed a deep pool of talent at the position and the Packers have options across all rounds. Let’s break it down by tiers and prospects who fit Green Bay’s needs.
First-Round Cornerbacks
Jahdae Barron (Texas)
Jahdae Barron is 5’10 3/4 and might be undersized but his versatility and speed is enticing. The Jim Thorpe Award winner ran a 4.39 40 and has experience at slot and outside.
“I’m more versatile than anybody in this draft class,” Barron said. “I like watching (Chiefs’ Isaiah) McDuffie, how he gets moved around, from corner to nickel. A team won’t know where I’m at next week or next drive.”
While Barron is in Green Bay’s size range, his arm length (29 5/8) is shorter than most of the corners drafted by Brian Gutekunst. But his playmaking ability and adaptability might outweigh that.
Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky)
Maxwell Hairston ran the fastest 40 (4.28) among all cornerbacks at the Combine. He’s 5’11 1/4 and has elite athleticism (39 1/2 inch vertical) and production, leading the SEC in interceptions (5), interception-return yards (131) and pick-sixes (2) in 2023. He missed 5 games in 2024 with a shoulder injury but his upside is a strong candidate for the Packers at 23 if they want to prioritize speed and ball skills in the secondary.
Day 2 Cornerbacks
Darien Porter (Iowa State)
Darien Porter is the most interesting prospect in the draft. Originally recruited as a receiver, Porter moved to defense in 2022 and made an impact right away. 6-foot-2 7/8 with 33 1/8-inch arms, he has the size for a press-man corner. His 4.30 40-yard dash only adds to the fun.
Porter allowed 5-of-17 passes against him in 2024, per PFF, despite limited snaps. He’s raw but his physical tools are crazy.
“I had great success this past season but I still think I’m just getting started,” Porter said. “I’m really just scratching the surface.”
Trey Amos (Mississippi)
Trey Amos isn’t the most athletic but he’s been steady and solid and got noticed at the Senior Bowl. 6-foot 3/4, he ran a 4.43 40-yard dash. In 2024, Amos picked off 3 passes, allowed 51.6% completion rate, 8.8 yards per reception.
“Last two months I wanted to get stronger at the point of attack,” Amos said. “I think that’s going to help me be a better tackler in this league.”
Amos may not be flashy but his reliability and coverage instincts could make him a mid-round steal.
Day 3 Cornerbacks
Caleb Ransaw (Tulane)
Caleb Ransaw is a late round sleeper with great testing numbers. 5’11 3/8, 4.33 40, 40” vert. Over the last two years he’s had 5 interceptions and 21 passes defensed and can play outside and in the slot.
He’s a sleeper for teams looking for value on Day 3.
Roger Longerbeam (Rutgers)
Roger Longerbeam is a big corner with explosive testing numbers (5’11, 31 1/2” arms, 4.39 40, 11’2” broad jump). Over four years at Rutgers he had 5 interceptions, 37 passes defensed and 5 forced fumbles. According to PFF, QBs completed 50.5% of passes thrown his way.
Longerbeam’s experience and consistency will provide depth and competition in training camp.
Zah Frazier (Texas-San Antonio)
Zah Frazier mirrors Darien Porter in physical traits (6’2 7/8, 4.38 40). Like Porter, Frazier didn’t start playing significant defensive snaps until 2024 but had 6 interceptions, 15 passes defensed and 47.5% completion rate allowed.
Frazier has upside and length and is a developmental project for a team willing to invest in him.
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