The Unpacking Future Packers countdown is a countdown of the 100 prospects the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Jaire Alexander may or may not be on Green Bay’s roster at the start of the 2025 season. By the time the 2025 NFL Draft begins, the former pro linebacker may not be on the roster at all.
Alexander’s uncertain future in Green Bay coupled with Erik Stokes, who is set to become a free agent, leads us to assume that Brian Gutekunst will add talent to the cornerback this offseason.
A year ago during the 2024 NFL Draft, Gutekunst added three reserves to the lineup. A year earlier, he added three pass catchers on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Gutekunst could attack the cornerback with the same ferocity in the 2025 NFL Draft. The cornerback the Packers could target in the draft is Jacob Parrish. The prospect from Kansas is listed at number 88 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
Parrish, a native of Kansas, recorded 44 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions and 13 pass deflections during the 2023 season.
Last season, Parrish recorded 50 tackles, 2.5 for loss, one interception and eight pass deflections.
“Parrish has been kind of the vision for Kansas State the last few seasons,” said Drew Galloway, Kansas State reporter for On3Sports. “He was underrecruited and was almost about to be rejected before it turned into a scholarship offer. He came in with no fanfare, went to work and never redshirted, and with each season he rose through the ranks and got better and better.
Parrish played three positions at Olathe North High School and set the school record for receiving yards. In addition to football, Parrish played basketball and was an outstanding track and field athlete.
Parrish has destitute coverage. The Kansas State cornerback is explosive at clicking and closing. He doesn’t panic when the ball is in the air, and as a former high school winger, he has excellent ball skills. Has plenty of speed to stay attached vertically.
Parrish logged 202 snaps during his time at Kansas State. With his fluid athleticism, route recognition, endurance and short-yardage speed, Parrish offers versatility both outdoors and indoors.
“He has great speed and uses it to cover, always finding the ball,” Galloway said. “He has good ball skills and it’s nice to see the ball in the air for someone his size.”
Even though he’s not the greatest cornerback, Parrish is willing to shoulder the burden of the run game. According to Professional focus on footballLast season, Parrish recorded five missed tackles.
In the video below, Parrish is able to argue with Cam Skattebo, the Arizona State running back who forced 102 missed tackles last season.
“He’s good at supporting the run,” Galloway said. “He learned from Julius Brents how to play on the counter-attack and he is a really good attacker. “He’s not afraid to put his face in the fan.”
Fits the Packers
The Packers are potentially considering a minor rebuild in their corner room this offseason. Assuming Alexander leaves, Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine will remain two cornerbacks with notable names. Add in Javon Bullard, who figures to be the team’s starting defenseman when the 2025 season begins next fall.
Having Nixon and Valentine as the two starting cornerbacks won’t necessarily create a ton of fear for opposing quarterbacks next season. Gutekunst needs to add more talent to this room.
Parrish offers versatility both on and off the field and is a tough-as-nails defender who covers well.
“I would choose Parrish because his best football is ahead of him,” Galloway said. “He is still very juvenile and still has a lot of room to develop. He has speed that can’t be taught, will be a good tester at the NFL Combine and will be good in the locker room.
It wouldn’t be shocking if the Packers added three cornerbacks to the roster during the 2025 NFL Draft. That number could decrease if Gutekunst adds a veteran to the team via free agency.
Parrish may be a tad smaller (5-10, 183 pounds), but he plays above his weight class. If he is still on the board when the Packers are ready to start Day 3, the Packers could add the former three-sport athlete to the cornerback position at 1265 Lombardi Avenue.
