Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander has had to make some personal and professional changes over the past six months.
Last season was a challenging one for Alexander, as he missed nine games due to injury and another due to suspension for anointing himself team captain before the team’s Week 16 game at Carolina.
Since then, Alexander has tried to draw less attention to himself and play more as a team.
“I’m entering seventh grade at this point and I’m trying not to talk so much about myself and what’s best for the team,” he said.
It’s off to a good start, Alexander is in town and participating in voluntary OTAs – something he didn’t do last year. On Wednesday, Matt LaFleur praised his number one corner for how he has performed so far this offseason.
“Ja did great,” LaFleur said. “Again, he’s been here every day, he shows up, he’s got a great attitude, he’s eager to learn, he’s competitive with the guys.”
I think he was a great teammate and a great leader for us.”
In terms of his play on the pitch, Alexander is aiming to be more consistent on offense. Injuries and suspension aside, the 2023 season was a disappointing one for the tight end with two All-Pros and two Pro Bowls. According to Pro Football Focus, Alexander appeared in just seven games for a career-high reception percentage against coverage (72.7 percent) and opponent passer rating (124.1) in the NFL.
However, despite the down year, Alexander has not lost any confidence.
“The best defenseman in the league appeared in the chat” – this is how he started Wednesday’s discussion with the media, according to Rob Demovsky from ESPN.
Hopefully up-to-date defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will aid Alexander back up that statement.
Alexander said Hafley “preaches aggression” and “fighting for everything,” which must be music to the ears of someone who has spent the last three seasons playing in a passive system.
Also in his first season with the Packers, passing game coordinator Derrick Ansley made a huge impression on Alexander.
“He’s just great. He works with me every day on my craft and technique,” Alexander said. “Working with him is just a pleasure. I think there are no limits for our room and for me, especially with the prosecutor nearby.”
Playing alongside Alexander at the renovated high school will be veteran safety Xavier McKinney, who has had four productive seasons with the New York Giants. Both are expected to be the difference in Green Bay’s defense next season, and Alexander noted that they are “already on the same page.”
All signs point to a revamped Alexander heading into Year 7, which is exactly what you want if you’re a Packers.
