Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander and safety Xavier McKinney ranked in the top 10 of ESPN’s annual position rankings, which are voted on by coaches, scouts and executives from around the league.
Alexander, a potential perimeter cornerback, and McKinney, a versatile safety who is coming off his best season as a pro, are cornerstones of the Packers defense under recent defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. If Alexander can rebound and McKinney can continue to improve, the pair could be among the best cornerback-safety duos in college football in 2024 and beyond.
Alexander, a two-time All-Pro who, after a disappointing 2023 season riddled with injuries and a strange suspension, was classified No. 7 among corner defenders — down three places from last year.
Alexander’s highest ranking among evaluators was fourth. He was criticized for missing 10 games last season, but one executive praised Alexander for consistently playing well against Justin Jefferson. The 2018 first-round draft pick has emerged rejuvenated during the offseason, potentially laying the groundwork for a return to elite status in 2024. With a roster loaded with top receivers, the Packers need Alexander to be the best player every week.
McKinney, who signed a $68 million contract to join the Packers in the offseason, came in No. 10 in safety.
One staff evaluator considered McKinney a “well-rounded” safety who developed into a versatile safety with the New York Giants. His highest grade was fourth. Another coordinator said McKinney was “not scary” when game-planning against him as a safety.
Coming off a Pro Bowl-caliber season in 2023, McKinney will come to Green Bay as a potential ideal safety in Hafley’s scheme. He can play deep as a single-high safety or in the slot, and he’s also a reliable tackler and playmaker in the football.
In a league dominated by elite quarterbacks, a defense needs elite players on the defensive end to be great. The Packers could have two in Alexander and McKinney. If they were operating at the peak of their powers, they could force drastic improvement in the first year of Hafley’s scheme in Green Bay.
