The Green Bay Packers have some extremely important decisions to make as far as where their priorities lie for the 2025 NFL Draft. With All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander recently entering trade talks around the league, Green Bay may be looking to fill vacancies at different positions by utilizing his trade value. With that in mind, this cornerback from Texas could be the difference maker for the Packers defense in the case Alexander finds elsewhere to showcase his talents.
Packers Look To Replace Star Cornerback In Latest Mock Draft
While Jaire Alexander is still a member of the green and gold, there is a lot of speculation as to whether he wants to remain a Packer and whether Green Bay wants something in exchange for one of the top defensive backs in the league.
In the case that the Packers part ways with the two-time Pro Bowler, the Packers looked to immediately repair the gap caused by his retreat by drafting Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron with the 23rd pick in this mock draft.
Future Packers Cornerback Jahdae Barron As A Texas Longhorn
The Texas DB spent five years with the Longhorns and developed a lot of the necessary skills it takes to become an elite NFL cornerback through experience on the collegiate level.
Barron recorded five interceptions, three of them coming in matchups against the #5 Georgia Bulldogs, which suggests he has the ability to play up to competition. He also had 11 passes defended in his last season, which was just as many as he accumulated in the previous three years combined.
Some of his more memorable moments are his two-interception performance against Georgia and 11-tackle performance in the double-OT win over Arizona State in the Cotton Bowl.
Is Jahdae Barron a Good Fit to Replace Packers Cornerback?
Both Alexander and Barron share attributes of being smaller, but hard to get open on when a one-on-one matchup is called upon. The only difference here is that Alexander guards the best receiver on NFL teams and oftentimes wins his matchup.
As a rookie experiencing a completely different set of principles when it comes to defending the top pass catchers in the league, it will be difficult. But as far as his strengths are concerned, his ability to recognize routes as they develop and his aggressiveness at the line are both characteristics of a player that can compete against the best.
Who Else Could Green Bay Have Selected In The First Round?
Several options remained on the board for the Packers at positions of need after they selected Barron. Wide receivers like Stanford’s Elic Ayomanor and Barron’s teammate Matthew Golden could be smart selections if the offense is what Gutekunst wants to focus on bolstering early in the draft.
A few edge rushers that the Packers may not want to pass up on also include Shemar Stewart out of Texas A&M and Jalon Walker from Georgia. Both would do wonders on a defense that is most definitely looking to add talent to that struggling defensive line and apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks.
Main Photo: [Tork Mason] – USA Today Sports
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