Here are the Packers, who opened their rookie camp Friday, with a draft class that features cornerbacks both in the first and second round. The idea here isn’t to put a damper on expectations for Louisville’s Jaire Alexander, the 18th overall pick, but rather to remember that pick No. 45, Iowa’s Josh Jackson, might have just as good a chance to become a star -- or even an immediate starter -- as Alexander.
“If you're familiar with Iowa football, that's how they do it there,” Packers college scout Alonzo Dotson said. “They breed those guys up through the ranks, and they do it the right way as far as who is going to play, and he's no different. There were two NFL guys [Desmond King of the Chargers and Greg Mabin of the 49ers] prior to him, so he earned his way. And when he did, he did a great job."
At just over 6 feet tall, Jackson has the height edge on Alexander (5-foot-10¼) but not the speed. He ran a surprisingly slow 4.56-second 40-yard dash at the combine, whereas Alexander ran it in 4.38 seconds.
“They both are excellent ball hawks,” Gutekunst said. “They find the ball, not only coming forward but with their back to the ball. Certainly one is a taller, longer player; one is probably going to be more twitchy and explosive. I think they both have the versatility outside and in the nickel. They’ve done it in college; it’s not something we’re projecting, but it’s something that they’ve done. There’s some similarities. When they stand next to each other, you’re not going to see them, but I think from their play style and their play technique there are some similarities.”
The Packers might need an immediate starter in the nickel package, assuming last year’s top pick Kevin King and veteran free agent Tramon Williams start at the two outside positions. However, it’s possible new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine could use Williams inside as a way to mask his age if there’s a significant decline in speed.
Mel Kiper Jr. declared the Packers as one of the Day 2 winners in the draft, largely because of the Jackson pick. He called Jackson “the best player on the board” at No. 45 and added that Alexander and Jackson are “two solid players to pair with second-year stud Kevin King.”
“I got drafted now, so really, my main focus is to come here, work hard and try to earn everything I work for,” Jackson said. “That's the main thing I'm worried about. The round I was drafted doesn't matter. Wherever I'm drafted, I'm happy, and it's a great opportunity. So I just want to come here and show what I'm worth. I know I can play ball. That's the main goal for me.”
The whole story: http://www.espn.com/blog/green-bay-...d-round-pick-josh-jackson-might-push-starters
“If you're familiar with Iowa football, that's how they do it there,” Packers college scout Alonzo Dotson said. “They breed those guys up through the ranks, and they do it the right way as far as who is going to play, and he's no different. There were two NFL guys [Desmond King of the Chargers and Greg Mabin of the 49ers] prior to him, so he earned his way. And when he did, he did a great job."
At just over 6 feet tall, Jackson has the height edge on Alexander (5-foot-10¼) but not the speed. He ran a surprisingly slow 4.56-second 40-yard dash at the combine, whereas Alexander ran it in 4.38 seconds.
“They both are excellent ball hawks,” Gutekunst said. “They find the ball, not only coming forward but with their back to the ball. Certainly one is a taller, longer player; one is probably going to be more twitchy and explosive. I think they both have the versatility outside and in the nickel. They’ve done it in college; it’s not something we’re projecting, but it’s something that they’ve done. There’s some similarities. When they stand next to each other, you’re not going to see them, but I think from their play style and their play technique there are some similarities.”
The Packers might need an immediate starter in the nickel package, assuming last year’s top pick Kevin King and veteran free agent Tramon Williams start at the two outside positions. However, it’s possible new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine could use Williams inside as a way to mask his age if there’s a significant decline in speed.
Mel Kiper Jr. declared the Packers as one of the Day 2 winners in the draft, largely because of the Jackson pick. He called Jackson “the best player on the board” at No. 45 and added that Alexander and Jackson are “two solid players to pair with second-year stud Kevin King.”
“I got drafted now, so really, my main focus is to come here, work hard and try to earn everything I work for,” Jackson said. “That's the main thing I'm worried about. The round I was drafted doesn't matter. Wherever I'm drafted, I'm happy, and it's a great opportunity. So I just want to come here and show what I'm worth. I know I can play ball. That's the main goal for me.”
The whole story: http://www.espn.com/blog/green-bay-...d-round-pick-josh-jackson-might-push-starters
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