Packers CB Jaire Alexander takes on mentor role for rookie WRs

The Green Bay Packers‘ extensive receiver room appears to be like vastly totally different from the one the staff had a yr in the past.

And in the event you ask a majority of Packers’ followers, it hasn’t modified for the higher. Gone is the every-down excellence of 1 Davante Adams, in addition to the deep-ball, landing treachery posed by Marquez Valdes-Scantling. 

In their wake, a brand new slew of unproven expertise resides on Green Bay’s roster, together with Malik Taylor, Juwann Winfree, Rico Gafford, Amari Rodgers, Danny Davis III, Romeo Doubs, Samori Toure and Christian Watson.

Not very aware of these names? You’re in all probability not the one one.

But Green Bay cornerback Jaire Alexander is nicely conscious of the expertise every receiver possesses, and the battle-tested veteran needs to assist with their growth, particularly rookies Toure, Doubs and Watson.

“I’m going to make it as arduous as I can for these guys as a result of I do know on Sunday it should repay. Iron sharpens iron,” Alexander mentioned earlier this month, per USA Today’s Packers Wire. “However I may help to make them higher, I’m going to try this.”

The Packers traded as much as swipe Watson with their second-round NFL Draft choice they usually took Doubs in spherical 4. 

Watson specifically has come to understand Alexander’s tailor-made tutelage.

“It solely makes me higher,” the North Dakota State product mentioned. “He’ll inform me straight up precisely why he broke on my route, precisely which indicator I gave on the route, and I do know if I get open then I do know it was an incredible route for me.

“It’s undoubtedly an incredible expertise to get to go up towards him and him clearly teaching me up, although I’m on the opposite facet of the ball.”

At 6-foot-5, 208 kilos, Watson’s body gives a large goal for Aaron Rodgers to zone in to. And although the 23-year-old is on the bulkier facet for an NFL WR, his uncommon velocity and pure athleticism put him in elite firm heading into his rookie season.

Watson made historical past as the primary WR standing no less than 6-4 to run a sub-4.40 on the NFL mix since 2003 (4.36). Based on his different drills, Watson obtained a 99 “Next Gen Athletics” rating from NFL Network’s scouting staff, which was not solely the very best amongst WRs on the 2022 mix (no different wideout scored above 90), it equaled Ja’Marr Chase’s grade from a yr in the past. 

Standing simply over six toes, Chase ran a 4.34 compared to Watson’s 4.36, matched his 6.96 cone drill time, and posted an 11-0 broad leap (Watson’s was 11-4). According to SI.com’s Albert Breer, Watson compares favorably to the late Vincent Jackson, who registered six 1,000-yard seasons, and was named to 3 Pro Bowls throughout his profession.

“I undoubtedly assume I’ve been stacking days and getting higher each day,” Watson mentioned, via Packers.com. “Obviously, there’s ups and downs, however I undoubtedly really feel like I’ve come a good distance. Obviously, I nonetheless really feel like I’ve a methods to go, however I really feel like that’ll include a pair weeks that we’ve got off earlier than coaching camp and I believe I’ll be good.”

Star potential is written throughout Watson, and although he is obtained huge footwear to fill from those that’ve lately departed Green Bay, he is removed from alone in his pursuit of greatness.