It’s still early to talk about the 2026 NFL Draft, but for some teams, the only solution after losses suffered post-draft and free agency is to look ahead to next year. That’s the case for the Green Bay Packers, who released Pro Bowler Jaire Alexander last month after failing to resolve contract issues with the franchise.
The good news is that the next draft is expected to offer Green Bay a wide range of cornerback options, regardless of where the team selects. In a mock draft, the Packers are projected to take a promising SEC player who could be Alexander’s long-term replacement.
PFSN’s Mock Draft Projects Packers’ Long-Term Solution to Fill CB Jaire Alexander’s Departure
Alexander’s departure caught some fans by surprise last month. Just three seasons ago, he was one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, earning second-team All-Pro honors. However, he played only 14 games over the following two seasons, significantly lowering his value compared to his contract with the franchise.
With his exit, the cornerback group for this season will rely on Carrington Valentine, Keisean Nixon, and Nate Hobbs. The team could still sign a player in free agency, but it’s unlikely any deal would be long-term, leaving the door open for the team to select a cornerback in the next draft. That player could be Alabama’s Domani Jackson.
In PFSN’s three-round mock draft, the Packers could select the cornerback with the 23rd overall pick. Jackson had his best college season in 2024, his first year at Alabama after transferring from USC, recording two interceptions, seven passes defensed, and one forced fumble. Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but scouts love his athletic ability and potential for growth.
I’ve become a very big Domani Jackson fan. Plays with fantastic instincts and knows how to use his length to win at the catch point pic.twitter.com/TdorfxSa1J
— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) May 20, 2025
“Jackson is a raw prospect, but he’s one of the best overall athletes in this class. He has elite play speed and fluid hips, enabling him to stay in man with any wide receiver in the NFL. With another year of development at Alabama, Jackson could enter the 2026 draft as CB1,” Max Dorsey wrote in his article.
That athleticism would be exactly what Green Bay needs. Jackson’s combination of size and speed could help the Packers maintain their elite pass defense numbers, especially with Alexander no longer anchoring the secondary.
How Domani Jackson’s Skill Set Could Transform Green Bay’s Secondary
The Packers’ defense ranked third in the NFL in EPA allowed per pass at -0.13, and maintaining that level of efficiency in 2025 will be difficult without Alexander. Even while dealing with injuries, Alexander was a catalyst for the pass defense when on the field. His ability to shut down top receivers allowed the rest of the secondary to play more aggressively.
Jackson would bring a different skill set but similar impact potential. At 6’1″ and 185 pounds, he has the size to match up with bigger receivers while maintaining the speed to cover slot guys. His time at USC showed flashes of elite coverage ability, but consistency was an issue. The transfer to Alabama and Nick Saban’s defensive system helped refine his technique.
If Jackson is available when Green Bay picks, investing in an athletic cornerback could be the best strategy for the next draft. The team has shown they’re willing to be patient with young defensive backs, and Jackson’s upside makes him worth the wait. His development timeline would also align perfectly with the team’s championship window around Jordan Love.
There’s also the possibility that the Packers will continue investing in building a more consistent group of receivers for Love to operate the offense following the selection of Matthew Golden in this year’s draft. Green Bay’s mindset has traditionally focused on building the offense through later rounds, but in 2025, that strategy appears to have shifted toward earlier investments in skill position players.
The cornerback position remains a priority, though. Valentine showed promise as a rookie, but asking him to be the top cover guy might be too much too soon. Nixon works better in the slot, and Hobbs still proves himself after joining from Las Vegas. Adding Jackson would give defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley the flexibility to move pieces around and create favorable matchups.