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Tag: Jaire Alexander

  • Derrick Harmon, Jahdae Barron Gain Momentum as Packers’ Draft Favorites

    Derrick Harmon, Jahdae Barron Gain Momentum as Packers’ Draft Favorites

    The Green Bay Packers are making some noise in the NFL Draft conversation after the Scouting Combine, and Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon and Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron are at the top of the list. Top draft analysts are linking the Packers to these two studs, and it’s easy to see why. Both fit huge needs for Green Bay and after the combine, it’s only more obvious.

    Why Derrick Harmon Could Be a Game-Changer for the Packers

    Derrick Harmon 6-4 ½ 313 ran a 4.95 40 at the combine. That’s rare for a man of his size. His athleticism was on full display and it matches his on field production. Last season Harmon led all FBS defensive tackles with 34 pressures and had a 10.7% pressure rate 2nd among all defensive tackles.

    What the Analysts Are Saying?

    Dane Brugler of The Athletic had Harmon going to the Packers at 23 overall and said:

    “Harmon (6-4 ½ 313) was one of two defensive tackles over 305 pounds to run under 5.00 seconds in the 40. His athleticism off the ball was reflected in his FBS best 55 pressures last season.”

    Jordan Reid of ESPN agreed:

    “Given the draft capital the Packers have used on the defensive line, the returns haven’t been as good as they hoped. Let’s get Green Bay a difference maker. Harmon is the type of interior presence needed in Green Bay alongside Kenny Clark.”

    Why the Packers Need Harmon?

    TJ Slaton is a free agent, Kenny Clark had a down year and Devonte Wyatt is entering the final year of his rookie deal. The Packers defensive line needs help. Harmon’s size, speed and disruption would be an instant upgrade for Jeff Hafley’s defense.

    Jahdae Barron: Secondary Swiss Army Knife

    Jahdae Barron is gaining a lot of steam with the Packers. The Texas Corner ran a 4.39 40 yards at the combine! He’s a little small but he’s Versatile and that fits Green Bay’s secondary perfectly. He played perimeter corner, nickel back and even some safety snaps in Texas.

    What the Analysts Are Saying

    Lance Zierlein from NFL.com sent Barron to the Packers in his post combine mock draft and wrote:

    “If Barron is still available at 23, Brian Gutekunst might run this card up to the podium. Barron’s playmaking and versatility would be a huge addition to the secondary.”

    Luke Easterling from Athlon Sports also likes Barron:

    “Jaire Alexander is on his way out and Barron’s versatility and playmaking would be a great replacement for Green Bay.”

    Why the Packers Need Barron

    Jaire Alexander is likely to be gone this offseason and the Packers need a new anchor in the secondary. Barron can play outside and inside, that gives Green Bay flexibility and his big play ability will fill the void left by Alexander.

  • Will the Packers Release Jaire Alexander? NFL Executives Think So

    Will the Packers Release Jaire Alexander? NFL Executives Think So

    The Green Bay Packers and cornerback Jaire Alexander are heading toward a split, but the method of their separation remains uncertain. According to post-NFL Scouting Combine reporting from Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, most league executives expect the Packers to ultimately release Alexander rather than trade him.

    “Meanwhile, two-time All-Pro Jaire Alexander is available via trade, although most executives believe the Packers will ultimately release him,” Schultz wrote after spending last week in Indianapolis.

    While both sides have agreed to part ways, the question now is whether it happens through a trade or a straight release. Here’s what we know about the situation.

    Why the Packers Might Release Alexander?

    Alexander is one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL when healthy but has missed time in three of the last four seasons. With his big contract (over $35 million in base salary the next two years) teams may not want to trade for him.

    The Packers are in great shape financially but releasing Alexander would free up $7 million in cap space for 2025 if done before June 1st. Or they could designate him as a post-June 1st cut and spread the dead money into 2026 and have even more cap room.

    Why a Trade Won’t Happen?

    The Packers want to trade Alexander and get something in return but it may be tough to find a trade partner. Teams won’t take on his contract without guarantees and with his injury history. And with zero dollars guaranteed left on his deal teams can just wait and see if he gets released.

    The Case for Releasing Alexander

    Release before June 1st and clear $7 million off the 2025 cap. Designate as post June 1st and some of the dead money goes to 2026 and more cap room this year.

    If no trade market develops, release and let him go find his next team and sign a new deal. Delaying the inevitable hurts both parties.

  • Scouting Combine Winners: Packers Shine, Teams That Need Cornerbacks Take Note

    Scouting Combine Winners: Packers Shine, Teams That Need Cornerbacks Take Note

    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.

  • Ravens Favored to Land Pro Bowl Cornerback in Potential Trade

    Ravens Favored to Land Pro Bowl Cornerback in Potential Trade

    The Green Bay Packers are reportedly exploring trade options for two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander, and the Baltimore Ravens have emerged as the betting favorites to acquire him if he’s dealt. With the Ravens needing depth at cornerback and Alexander’s ties to the organization, this potential move could make sense for both sides.

    Why the Ravens Are Going to Get Jaire Alexander?

    The Ravens have one of the top defenses in the NFL but their cornerback room is thin. Marlon Humphrey is a star but pending unrestricted free agent Brandon Stephens is a question mark at the position. Bringing in a proven talent like Alexander would be stability and a boost to the secondary.

    Alexander’s Ties to the Ravens

    Jaire Alexander has a connection to the Ravens: he played college football with Lamar Jackson at Louisville. They were part of the same recruiting class and developed a strong bond during their time together.

    “We came in at the same time in Louisville and did a bunch of interviews together,” Alexander said last August during joint practices between the Packers and Ravens. “It’s always good to see his success. I joke with him all the time, ‘When are we going to meet in the Super Bowl?’ Maybe it’ll happen sooner than we think—as teammates.”

    This gives Alexander a leg up and the Ravens an advantage in negotiations.

    Jaire Alexander’s Current Situation

    27 years old and in his prime but injuries have been a concern. He’s played only 14 games the last 2 years due to various injuries including a PCL tear that ended his 2024 season early. Still one of the best cornerbacks in the league when healthy.

    His best season was 2022 when he had 5 interceptions and 2nd team All-Pro for the 2nd time in his career. Last year before he got hurt he had 2 interceptions (1 TD) and 7 pass breakups in 7 games.

    Contract Details

    2 years and $37 million left on his contract. Expensive but worth it for a contender. His cap hit will be manageable for teams like the Ravens who build through the draft and strategically splurge on veterans.

    Other Teams in the Mix for Alexander

    But the Ravens are the favorites:

    • Minnesota Vikings (+325): The Vikings need help in the secondary after a tough year.
    • San Francisco 49ers (+700): With questions at corner, the 49ers might look to Alexander as a long term solution.
    • Denver Broncos (+700): A new defense with new leadership might target Alexander to solidify the back end.
    • Houston Texans (+700): As they continue to rebuild, adding a cornerstone like Alexander would speed up the process.

    What it means for the Ravens

    How Alexander fits in Baltimore

    If he’s acquired, Alexander would step right in as a starter opposite Marlon Humphrey. His aggressive style and ball hawking ability would play off of Humphrey’s shutdown coverage to make one of the best corner duos in the league.

    Cap Space and Trade Cost

    With Steve Bisciotti just receiving an A from the NFLPA for being a competitive owner, the Ravens are willing to spend on top talent. General Manager Eric DeCosta has shown he can maneuver the cap to make room for Alexander.

    As for draft capital, the Ravens will likely have to give up a mid round pick or future asset to get him. But with 5 picks in rounds 3-5, they can absorb the cost without sacrificing long term flexibility.

    FAQs About Jaire Alexander and the Ravens

    Why are the Ravens the favorite to get Jaire Alexander?

    The Ravens need corner depth and Alexander has a relationship with Lamar Jackson. Plus, owner Steve Bisciotti is willing to spend on key positions.

    What are Jaire Alexander’s strengths as a player?

    Alexander is fast, physical and has ball skills. At his best he’s a shutdown corner who can take away receivers and create turnovers.

    Would getting Alexander hurt the Ravens draft strategy?

    Not really. The Ravens have multiple picks in the middle rounds (3-5) which is the best part of this draft. Trading for Alexander won’t really hurt their ability to address other needs.

    “‘The player you get at 10 in this draft is the same player you get at 35’” said Ravens beat writer Ryan Mink. “That’s good for teams like Baltimore with late 1st and early middle round picks.”

    How much will Jaire Alexander cost the Ravens?

    Alexander has 2 years and $37 million left on his deal. The Ravens can fit him under the cap without sacrificing other free agents.

    Can the Ravens re-sign Ronnie Stanley instead of getting Alexander?

    Yes, re-signing Stanley is a priority. But GM Eric DeCosta has said nothing is guaranteed. If Stanley leaves the Ravens can pivot to cheaper options like Cam Robinson and use the resources to get Alexander.