The Green Bay Packers' secondary is much weaker than it has been in past seasons, as they decided to finally part ways with the extremely talented but often injured Jaire Alexander. Green Bay effectively replaced him by signing cornerback Nate Hobbs to a huge contract in free agency.
While the Packers will have a high enough floor with the current group they have and a former defensive backs coach in Jeff Hafley leading the unit as the defensive coordinator, they might need one more name from their menagerie of young defensive backs.
Carrington Valentine, who has spent the last two years as a fill-in for Alexander when the Louisville star's body decided to fail him, has been impressing at Packers training camp by picking off two passes and recording a pass breakup while guarding first-round pick Matthew Golden.
Carrington Valentine should help Packers replace Jaire Alexander
Valentine graded out as a Top 50 cornerback in the eyes of Pro Football Focus. The former Kentucky star has started 19 games over the past two seasons, and he has proven to be a solid starter when he has been called into action. Another year of development has done wonders for him.
While Xavier McKinney proved to be an All-Pro safety in his first season with the Packers, it seems unlikely that he is going to replicate his elite performance from last year every year he's in green and gold. Nate Hobbs is getting paid a ton of money, but can he perform like a No. 1 cornerback?
While it looks like Javon Bullard and Keisean Nixon are likely in line to start now that Alexander is officially out of town, Nixon's spot is by no means set in stone. There is a world where Valentine ends up as one of the starting outside cornerbacks, which could lead to him playing a big part in keeping this defense performing at a high level.
Alexander is not going to be replaced by one player alone, given how talented he is when the injury bug avoids him. However, if Valentine takes the step forward that many expect him to this season, that could give Matt LaFleur a much-needed sense of security.
