When the Green Bay Packers hired Joe Barry, the new defensive coordinator said you can never have enough guys that are potential nickels. Luckily, the Packers will have plenty of options they can explore at slot corner for 2021.
In 2020, the nickel role was handled predominately by Chandon Sullivan. In 16 games, Sullivan lined up inside on 533 snaps and received a grade of 62.2 from Pro Football Focus. Green Bay tendered Sullivan to the tune of $2.1 million back in March, expecting him to compete for a starting role once again.
Sullivan will have the most experience on the roster when it comes to playing nickel, but he is far from their only option. It’s very possible Green Bay could try to upgrade.
If not Sullivan, Jaire Alexander should be taking snaps inside as much as the team can afford. His size and skill set makes him an ideal candidate to play closer to the ball and be a disruptive playmaker. Alexander really has no limitations to his game in that he can tackle and cover. Barry could allow him to press inside so he can completely neutralize a shifty slot receiver and also design some creative blitz packages to cater to his aggressive playstyle.
However, that takes Alexander off of the boundary, which is where he is coming off an All-Pro season. Moving him inside creates a void opposite of Kevin King, but the Packers just used a first-round pick on Eric Stokes. Stokes could start as the other outside corner, giving the defense two long and fast players on the boundary with Alexander in the slot. Ultimately, that plan is contingent on Stokes being ready to contribute right away as a rookie. He will likely be the starting outside corner eventually, but Green Bay may want to give him more time to develop.
Another rookie who could compete for playing time right away is Shemar Jean-Charles. The Packers used a fifth-round pick on Jean-Charles after a solid career at Appalachian State. He finished with two career interceptions, 97 tackles, and 33 passes defended. According to PFF, Charles allowed a completion rate of just 30.4 last season.
Those kind of ball skills are useful for a slot corner, but Jean-Charles spent most of his time in college playing outside. However, his twitchy athleticism, shorter build, and slender frame could push Green Bay to try him inside. If he impresses during training camp and in the preseason, there’s a decent chance Jean-Charles has a role that isn’t just special teams in 2021.
One other option is safety Darnell Savage, who played in the slot sporadically during college and his first two NFL seasons. But he’s also a high-end starter at safety where his speed is a huge asset.
The nickel spot has become increasingly important over the years, and the Packers will look to improve where they can. Sullivan could be a solid option for another season, or the defense could benefit from someone else emerging in the slot.
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