Confidence swells for Packers CB Jaire Alexander ahead of Year 3
Jaire Alexander has never lacked confidence, but it appears his unshakable confidence – something he described as “unwavering belief” in himself – is actually growing ahead of his third NFL season.
The Green Bay Packers cornerback wore snazzy white sunglasses while talking about his swelling confidence as a player during a Zoom session with reporters on Monday.
“I feel like this is the most confident I’ve been in my technique and in my game,” Alexander said.
Later, he added: “When I lock in and when I master my craft, the sky is the limit.”
The Packers believe they have a star in Alexander.
GM Brian Gutekunst said Alexander, his first-ever draft pick, has established himself as one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL. Coach Matt LaFleur and teammate Preston Smith said similar things. They likely wouldn’t get much of an argument from Alexander, who broke up 28 passes during his first 29 NFL games and is now charting a Pro Bowl path going into his third season.
LaFleur said he “loves” the way Alexander competes every day, with contagious energy and a level of self-assurance every great corner needs.
The third-year cornerback said his confidence grew when he played his best in coverage during the Packers’ two postseason games, cementing his belief that he’s one of the game’s elite players.
“I was able to turn that focus over when the games really mattered and really lock in on my coverage and just prove that I am elite in this league,” Alexander said.
Recognition from outside Green Bay is slowly arriving. Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire ranked Alexander as one of the NFL’s best zone cornerbacks, while a poll of NFL personnel conducted by ESPN revealed Alexander to be on the cusp of top-10 status at his position entering 2020.
Pro Football Focus ranked Alexander in their top-15 cornerbacks in coverage grade in 2019.
The next step? Becoming a consistently dominant player – locking in every snap of every game – while helping the Packers become a truly dominant pass defense.
“There’s so much to like about Ja. I love being around him,” LaFleur said. “I’ve told him a million times. He has such an infectious energy, for everybody. I love how he competes on a daily basis. I think he’s a premier corner in this league.”
