Can Keisean Nixon Really Be the Packers Top Cornerback?
By GilMartin
When the Green Bay Packers were clearing out their locker rooms earlier this week, many players addressed the media before heading home for the offseason. One of the more surprising quotes came from cornerback Keisean Nixon.
“I’m kind of over it,” Nixon said, referring to returning kicks. “I don’t really want to do it no more. There’s going to be talks with the coaching staff and stuff like that, but I think it’s over with for me. I want to be CB1. CB1 is not doing kick returns. That’s just what it is.”
Head coach Matt LaFleur responded to Nixon’s statement. “That was interesting,” LaFleur said. “Keisean and I have a really good relationship, and we have a meeting to talk about this. I love Kei, I do. I love how he prepares. I’m not sure why he said what he said.”
There are two separate questions here. The first is whether Nixon should continue to return kicks and the second is if he’s capable of being the team’s top cover corner.
Nixon clearly has skills as a kick returner. He earned All Pro honors in both 2022 and 2023 after leading the league in kick return yards both seasons. In 2024, he averaged a career-high 29.3 yards per kick return even though his longest runback was just 43 yards.
The Packers view Nixon as a weapon on special teams. They would certainly like to see him return kicks next season. If he doesn’t want to, they will be hard pressed to find a replacement who is as skilled and dangerous as Nixon has been in recent years.
As for playing cornerback, Nixon took a big step forward this season. He started the year in a familiar spot as the team’s slot corner. But when injuries struck in the secondary, Nixon was moved to the perimeter. This was partially due to the absence of Jaire Alexander who only managed to play in seven games this season and partially because Matt LaFleur and Jeff Hafley wanted to get rookies Javon Bullard and Evan Williams on the field.
Nixon’s versatility was appreciated by the coaching staff. The fact that they could move him from the slot to the perimeter and back gave the defense more options and more ways to line up.
The former South Carolina star also broke up seven passes, recorded three sacks when called upon to blitz and forced three fumbles. He finished the season with 88 total tackles including eight tackles for loss.
Nixon’s play in coverage also improved this season. Opposing quarterbacks completed just 57.5 percent of their passes this season when throwing to receivers covered by Nixon according to pro-football-reference.com. They had a quarterback rating of just 78.9.
Keep in mind, prior to this season, Nixon never had a completion percentage allowed below 66.7. In 2023, he allowed quarterbacks to complete 77.8 percent of their passes, and they had a quarterback rating of 104.8 when throwing to receivers covered by Nixon.
But that improvement is still a long way away from making him an elite cornerback. While the speed is certainly there, Nixon has never really proven himself as a CB1. He will need to be more consistent. It would be a big gamble by the coaching staff and GM Brian Gutekunst if they entered the season with Nixon as their top corner.
The other question obviously involves the team’s current number one cover corner, Jaire Alexander. We still don’t know if he’ll be back with the Packers in 2025, although he currently is under contract. Alexander himself didn’t seem sure about his return earlier this week. If Alexander is back and can stay healthy, he will have the inside track at CB1. Of course, neither of those two conditions are a given at this point.
Gutekunst could and probably will use a high draft pick on a cornerback this spring. That rookie will also be in competition for the top cornerback spot, even if he may not be ready to start right away.
It’s good that Nixon is aiming high and seeks to become the Packers top cover corner. As of now, he still has some work to do to get there. As for returning kicks, that may be up for discussion. These are all things to keep an eye on as this offseason begins.
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Comments (99)
Dragon5
January 16, 2025 at 10:37 am
Is it April Fools Day?
jannesbjornson
January 16, 2025 at 04:03 pm
Agree, He has Three Picks in six years. He's not a 1:1 guy and should stay at the nickel position in short zones.
They probably move on from Jaire, or maybe he does a re-fi ? Byron Murphy is a guy I would try to poach from the queens and he bagged six picks in 2024. Knows the Game and is a smart guy. Asante Samuel, Jr can be an ascending player if he comes back healthy. I would bag at minimum, two CBs from the high rounds of the draft.
I advocate for Cobee Bryant from Kansas who plays to the ball.
LLCHESTY
January 16, 2025 at 06:36 pm
Murphy is a good player but he'll get way overpaid and the 6 Ints seems pretty flukish. His best season before that was 4 and he had two seasons with none and another with 1.
jannesbjornson
January 17, 2025 at 05:45 am
Veterans can run the complex schemes like Flores. So, his curve would indicate an ascending talent and I don't believe he would let Goedert humiliate him taking a swing pass for a TD.
Since'61
January 17, 2025 at 08:35 am
Cookie for Dragon5! Thanks, Since '61
stockholder
January 16, 2025 at 10:55 am
I agree with him.
He's improved.
He's learned a lot.
Why wait 3 years for a rookie.
Coldworld
January 16, 2025 at 04:37 pm
Because he’s not got the athletic tools. He is a good CB to
Have against run or short play oriented teams or situations. He fills in outside though he struggles with his back to the QB. He’s a good slot in this Hafley system. He’s a good third CB against pass heavy teams and no more. A possible second situationally and against run/short pass or running QBs
Tundraboy
January 16, 2025 at 09:22 pm
What he's learned, I want no part of. We've had enough idiots over the years with our adding to the collection.
jannesbjornson
January 17, 2025 at 04:51 pm
I don't know, Surtain was All-Rookie in'21 and 1st team ALL-PRO in 2022-24. You have to move UP for some of these guys. The common denominator is Gutedkunst's selections, or non-selections when the FILM is staring you right in the face. I wouldn't equate Nixon with Sam Shields, or especially not Tramon. Now where does Bullard fit in?
vin0770
January 16, 2025 at 10:57 am
Is he the least football intelligent player on the roster? He has shown he consistently can’t make solid football decisions both with the ball and with his hands and defensive play.
He wants more money because he thinks he’s CB1? CB1 isn’t on the roster. If he’s CB1….yikes! If they cut him I’d be so OK with that 😜
SicSemperTyrannis
January 16, 2025 at 10:59 am
#25 has cost his team net yards for two seasons in a row by trying to return kicks from the end zone. I'd be very surprised if he didn't know that. It KILLS him to just take the touchback. Plus he got his bell rung on the opening play, recovered his fumble, TWICE, yet blind refs still gave the Iggles a TD. Pretty sure that's why he said he's done with that role.
Gutey has to get a better CB1 than #25, but it's great that Nixon wants to be the best he can be.
Assuming Gutey can keep #8 30 & 31 all on the roster next season, wouldn't it be great to see Marshawn Lloyd handling all returns?
Bitternotsour
January 16, 2025 at 11:04 am
Keisan is executing his coaches decisions. If he was told to down the ball and he refused, they'd sit his ass down. This is the strategy of the LaFleur coaching staff and Matt LaFleur specifically. It is foolhardy, but it is their decision to make.
21Savage
January 16, 2025 at 03:18 pm
Nixon's kickoff returns this year were beyond frustrating. We gave up so many yards and I can't even recall a single explosive kickoff return he provided all year to make up for it. But I think that's a Bisaccia problem more than a Nixon problem. If Nixon gets moved off KR duties, maybe they would take the touchback more often?
Coldworld
January 17, 2025 at 12:13 pm
I can’t believe that they will stick with the KR rule as it stands. No a success and not obviously less violent, at least for the returner.
NFLfan
January 16, 2025 at 11:22 am
I admire Nixon's heart and intensity but this sometimes translates into behavior that hurts the team.
He is not a starting caliber CB. If GB doesn't add 2 high-level CB's then they will decide to call Nixon a starting CB-
doesn't make it so.
dobber
January 16, 2025 at 12:26 pm
"He is not a starting caliber CB."
I agree that attrition and just being the best CB on the field doesn't make you a "CB1"--he's not at this stage a shutdown guy on the perimeter--but to say he's not a starting caliber NFL CB is off the mark. He passes the stat test and the eye test. Still good in the slot, and probably looks better playing CB2 opposite a bonafide CB1.
Coldworld
January 17, 2025 at 09:02 am
He’s very good in the run game for a DB. There is no doubt about that. He’s pretty good in slot coverage especially facing the QB. That’s not to be sniffed at but it doesn’t make him preferred starting caliber as a perimeter corner. He’s ok if you need help. Valentine is actually much better in coverage if much less good against the run or TEs.
He’d be my preferred slot as a default and the guy they move around situationally. He’d be a starter on the perimeter with Bullard in at slot against run heavy teams, teams that dink and dunk and run happy QBs and I think that is his ceiling physically.
GregC
January 16, 2025 at 11:26 am
He was the top CB on the #6 scoring defense in the league, so I guess the answer is yes. He held up surprisingly well on the outside. I'd still like them to bring in another good CB though.
Celise...
January 16, 2025 at 03:15 pm
there is a reason the pack played zone so much this year and it's because the corners are not good enough to play man. aggressive defenses play more man and put the pass rush on more often. playing man would put more pressure on the quarterback to actually throw a more precise ball than when they play zone and have a wide open receiver running free
Bitternotsour
January 16, 2025 at 05:11 pm
They improved at just about every metric defensively, but apparently that had nothing to do with scheme. in your mind zone defense = bad. Perhaps examine your disconnect between the results and your perception.
dobber
January 17, 2025 at 07:23 am
"it's because the corners are not good enough to play man. "
Playing man isn't necessarily about being "good" it's about fit. Some guys are great zone CB and lousy man CB...and vice versa. People clamor for Rasul Douglas to still be in GB and he wasn't a man CB.
There are some great defenses out there that play a lot of zone...but most great defenses can do both.
Coldworld
January 17, 2025 at 09:10 am
Zone can be aggressive or passive. It requires more mental discipline and detail, but it can be aggressive. Press zone is very different to off zone. I think this debate is miscast as man versus zone. It should be more off verses press.
Out side of Alexander, none of our CBs that saw the field are very good fits to react to a receiver after the catch with great short area agility and explosion to respond to the receiver or ball. That’s absolutely critical any successful off coverage, zone or man. Douglas was. When we tried it the results were no different than with Barry. We tried it too often, but seemed to be less passive more often as the season wore on (except situationally—which also proved a bad idea).
Razer
January 16, 2025 at 11:42 am
He was the most available and consistent CB on the team this year so he is sort of "our best" CB. If we want better CBs then we got to start drafting better. TT and Gutekunst have thrown away virtually all of our round 1 and 2 draft picks on secondary players who aren't worth a second contract. Let's not talk about CB1 distinctions when a couple of good players would be a marked improvement.
Celise...
January 16, 2025 at 03:28 pm
i feel like finding a lockdown cornerback is about as difficult as getting an elite quarterback. you almost have to either pick high in the draft, or be somewhat lucky, or have someone elite on your coaching staff to teach them in order to have one on your team
WestCoastPackerBacker
January 17, 2025 at 05:28 pm
Or get a little lucky!
ricky
January 16, 2025 at 11:50 am
Nixon wants to be the #1 CB. He makes some plays, but hasn't been consistent to be that "shut down" corner a team covets.
Now, will Alexander be back with the team next season? Maybe. If cut post June 1, he would have a dead cap number of about $8 million, but a cap savings of a tad over $17 million. So, it is possible.
Could the Packer make another splash in FA and get a good CB? Or would they make the position a priority in the draft? The draft seems more likely, as the FA market at CB seems pretty slim.
Leatherhead
January 16, 2025 at 02:42 pm
Yes on the financials, but better than a post June 1 cut would be a trade prior to draft day. That still gets rid of $17M. Is there a team out there that would be willing to make a deal?
Looking at recent history, a typical solution is to target a position in FA, and high in the draft, and low in the draft. Overkill, maybe, but it does allow for a miss or two.
Return Nixon, Valentine, and King. Use our #1 pick on a CB. Sign a good CB in FA.
Coldworld
January 16, 2025 at 04:43 pm
However good a CB we get, it’s not worth it without improving the pass rush. Fix that and every DB gets better any way. I’d also fix the IOL first. Our D is unlikely to compensate for an O that misfires. O and DL and then it’s a decision between CB and WR. I might lean speed/size WR there first unless we trade Alexander for a decent pick.
Tundraboy
January 16, 2025 at 09:18 pm
100 %
LambeauPlain
January 17, 2025 at 09:20 am
Rebrovich was let go so hopeful help is on the way to improve the pass rush. I was pleased with the move.
I have always believed you build your team as it the play unfolds at the snap...and it must begin with the big men. DL can use another pass rush type...you have called for a "quick twitch" DL and bolstering the IOL. Agree on both.
I also believe upgrades to the coaching/teaching/accountability roles must improve. Butkus needs to follow Rebrovich to "pursue new opportunities."
Leatherhead
January 17, 2025 at 10:59 am
You can put the most fearsome pass rushers in history on the field, but if all the QB has to do is throw a quick pass to an open receiver, the rush will never get home. Pass defense starts with guys who can cover.
Fixing the IOL isn't that big of a chore. We return 5 starters, if you include Morgan. We could line up Walker, Morgan, Jenkins, Rhyan and Tom. Draft a good OL and get one solid backup in FA.
I remember very much how our pass rush took a lot of flak in 2005, because KGB and Kampmann were just not good enough. The next season, we added Woodson and we went from 34 sacks to 46.
We're going to have to put people on the field that can cover Jefferson, and Amon Ra, and the guys like him, or we're not going to be better. We've hired a new coach to improve the pass rush, but unless people are covered, it isn't going to make any difference.
Coldworld
January 17, 2025 at 12:42 pm
Quick passes like you are talking about are typically over the middle. Most of those don’t take on a CB but an ILB. When it is a db it’s mostly a slot. Jefferson doesn’t thrive on such passes particularly. In some ways if that’s how we’ve forced him to be used, that’s a win anyway. To do that we most likely have their QB rattled through pressure.
Packerpasty
January 17, 2025 at 12:43 pm
exactly...
LLCHESTY
January 16, 2025 at 06:49 pm
No way you spent a 1st round pick on a CB when it's the best draft for 1st round DTs in 6 years and the deepest one for Big guys in 20. You can find good CBs in later rounds but your odds of finding impact DTs drops precipitously after 50, this year maybe 60.
Gutey would be foolish not to take advantage of this year's supply. Deone Walker is a monster that would provide more pass rush than Slaton the 1st day he walked on the field. They could also use another 3T to push Brooks and maybe replace Clark after next year. The D front was not good enough against good O lines and even struggled against the Vikings who definitely don't have a good O line.
Eli Manning wasn't a great QB but the years he got hot the Giants had waves of pass rushes to send at teams. Jordan Love is starting to look a lot like Eli Manning. He did something that Eli never did which was win a playoff game in a year he didn't win a SB. Building the lines will help them win regular season games and hopefully Love has some hot streaks at the right time.
dobber
January 17, 2025 at 09:24 am
"No way you spent a 1st round pick on a CB when it's the best draft for 1st round DTs in 6 years and the deepest one for Big guys in 20."
Doesn't change that the best value on the board--and at a position that might make you meaningfully better--when you're picking might not be a DE/DT. You might get great DT/DE value in round 2 and a great player in round 1.
stockholder
January 17, 2025 at 11:54 am
BPA? Gute doesn't do that.
He is unpredictable.
And so are his choices.
Coldworld
January 17, 2025 at 12:50 pm
There is no empirical BPA. There is no platonic form of pick number 1, 2 or X. BPA is a subjective evaluation based on imperfect assessment of ability and upside of an individual compared to others who play different positions played different opponents. Add to that other factors such as character and need that bleed in and most professional boards are very different. There is no “perfect” platonic form of BPA list to pick from.
stockholder
January 17, 2025 at 11:43 am
Best draft in years at DT. ??
That might be because of the top 30 are hyped.
Grant is 6'3". He'll be Lucky if he's as good as Clark.
Your guy Murphy 6'6" was better last year.
If he loses weight. He'll be Lucky if he's Chris Jones.
Otherwise I would just resign Slayton.
And thats the top two run stuffers. IMO.
The rest will be judged on their 40 time. And Pad Level.
So I wouldn't take one but sign a Free Agent.
Because this isn't a re-Build, but all in again.
And Gute has money to spend.
jannesbjornson
January 17, 2025 at 05:06 pm
Slaton should be resigned. Missed on T.Sweat who will come in around 340-45 next season. He got the message to tighten up the ship and eat better food. He and Simmons will terrorize offenses. 40 time? For the big guys it's about quick burst, lean and jujitsu. Reps on the bench, 10 yard splits, lateral movement. Get ready for the Senior Bowl.
bleedgreen
January 16, 2025 at 04:07 pm
I would like to avoid having to draft a cb. The packers record on hitting on drafting defensive backs is awful. Sign a good FA if at all possible.
Leatherhead
January 17, 2025 at 11:57 am
I would like to avoid paying taxes.
Here's the deal: On any given play, four or five or six DBs are on the field. Not only are they supposed to contain some world class athletes, but they also have to bring run support. Consequently, they get hurt. So your roster has to have about 10 DBs, and every one of them has to be able play against guys like Jefferson and Amon Ra...
I agree we should sign a starting caliber CB in FA, if possible, but we should also get the best CB in the draft that we can. Add those two pieces to Nixon and Valentine and that would go a long way towards improving the CB room.
zoellner25
January 16, 2025 at 12:23 pm
When I think of a #1 CB, I think of Jaire, Jalen Ramsey, Pat Surtain, Sauce Gardner, Derick Stingley, guys like that. Nixon is nowhere near those guys.
NFLfan
January 16, 2025 at 01:06 pm
@Z-exactly.
Packers0808
January 16, 2025 at 01:23 pm
I was a coach for 23 years and to read some of the stuff on here that people write makes a person very thoughtful how so many think they know the game and player talent.
T7Steve
January 16, 2025 at 01:40 pm
I resemble that! HA!
I just know that if they don't get a pass rush going consistently, you can have a shutdown corner and he'll be eaten alive. A shutdown CB will help the pass rush and vice versa.
NFLfan
January 16, 2025 at 02:00 pm
@0808-what is your take on Nixon?
Packers0808
January 16, 2025 at 04:10 pm
At the least adequate at most strong speed and mechanics!
EricTorkelson
January 16, 2025 at 05:17 pm
08 If you coached for 23 yrs then maybe you should throw out some of your opinions on this platform like the other gentlemen do .... lets hear your enlightened football knowledge .....
Packers0808
January 16, 2025 at 05:50 pm
No I don't do that, just like to see what others say, besides many concepts of what is done today was not done back then. I am 80 years old.
EricTorkelson
January 16, 2025 at 07:58 pm
ok 0808 .... enjoy the read ....
LambeauPlain
January 17, 2025 at 09:25 am
So then you are like most here and are not a football expert of today's game.
I know I am not, even though I played football 50 years ago.
Packers0808
January 17, 2025 at 12:19 pm
More an expert than most assuredly you. Risible.
Straya
January 17, 2025 at 12:25 am
Why do you presume that women aren't posting here?
Packers0808
January 17, 2025 at 12:20 pm
Why do presume with the nicknames many aren't women?
Leatherhead
January 16, 2025 at 01:38 pm
Nixon IS our #1 CB. In terms of snaps, tackles, and passes defended....over the last two seasons, Nixon is at the top of the list, followed by Valentine, then Stokes and finally Alexander.
Now, yes, if you want to go by some fantasy in your head about perceived talent by guys who aren't actually on the field, then he's only our #2 CB.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Just like we did a complete gut-and-rebuild at the Safety spot last year, I'm in favor of starting over with the Cornerback room.
We dress 4 or 5, and you'd want another on the inactive 53, and at least one more on the practice squad.
Say good bye to Stokes. Alexander, too. Look I get it...about 4 years ago, he was a real good CB. For three of the last four years he's missed more than half the games because of injury. He's 28 now (like Nixon). I'd much prefer a Day 2 pick for him that would actually be on the field on a rookie contract than a guy who I just think isn't someone you can depend on to even suit up. We'd save $17M in salary and bonuses.
Valentine is still under contract, as are Nixon and King. You spend our #1 on the best CB we can find. You spend some of the money we saved on a dependable CB in FA. That's the core of the CB room for next year.
As far as Nixon being CB #1, I hope he plays like that. As far as the kick returns....(chortle) ....we should stop returning punts and kicks we don't have to . Take possession and get the bottom of the roster off the field before something bad happens. Don't turn it over, don't get people injured, don't get called for stupid penalties on returns . Put your offense on the field.
T7Steve
January 16, 2025 at 01:42 pm
He'll be even better back in the slot, but for what he's being paid right now he's the best veteran talent (that's available) on the team right now.
crayzpackfan
January 16, 2025 at 02:32 pm
LH-
I 100% agree with your entire take.
Leatherhead
January 16, 2025 at 02:43 pm
Thank you.
stockholder
January 16, 2025 at 03:22 pm
I think your take on Alexander is right.
I fear he comes back with a torn acl.
EnemyTerritory
January 16, 2025 at 03:42 pm
Spot on analysis LH.
I agree that the CB room needs to be rebuilt, likely with a lot of draft and FA resources thrown at it. Which has again raised in my mind a larger question that I’ve had before but I’d like your opinion and others. Gut and rebuild seems to be the BG MO. He did it with the WR , the TE, and the Safeties. I guess you can also look at the LB. Is this just a whack a mole strategy long term? Seems to me the draft pool strengths will not always line up with the teams needs. Same for the FA market. Plus, except for the first rounders, all the contracts essentially come due at the same time again creating the cycle of pay em or let them walk and restock that entire room again. Is this sustainable? Seems to me it will impact a BPA draft strategy, the continued refreshment of skill players, and smoothing out salary hits. Thought?
Bitternotsour
January 16, 2025 at 05:17 pm
Hard to argue that he spent the year as the best corner. Do his coverage skills match up to a healthy Alexander, no. Might they improve if he was allowed to concentrate exclusively on playing corner rather than being our best special teams guy - probably.
There's really no debate about who was the best corner on a pretty significantly improved defense, I mean other than the people who are debating vibes vs. tape.
Lphill
January 16, 2025 at 02:00 pm
no and no .
EricTorkelson
January 16, 2025 at 02:20 pm
If Jaire restructures he will remain CB1 Nixon is better in the slot
As far as kick returns 29.3 yard's Ave Really? seemed to me viewed at games, teams new Nixon would come out so they kicked short to one corner of the field or the other and pummeled him around the 25 yard line at best..
Bitternotsour
January 16, 2025 at 05:14 pm
I've seen stats that say he's actually better on the perimeter and that he's below average as a slot.
Why do you suggest that to be opposite?
EricTorkelson
January 16, 2025 at 05:36 pm
OK Bitter ... here is my take Nixon coverage grade 60.7 115th out of 223 cbs
Nixon pass rush grade 92.7 4th out of 223 cbs He needs to be closer to the line I do like his physicality ...
Oppy
January 17, 2025 at 08:07 am
I've said Nixon might make a better box safety than a CB or Slot defender because he plays extremely physical but can get lost in coverage.
I not a Nixon fan at all, but he did perform better than I would have ever expected in 2024 on the perimeter. I don't think the Packers should just stand pat on having Nixon as a starting CB, they should be looking to upgrade. Take Nixon from a marginal starter and make him a very strong rotational / situational player.
Bitternotsour
January 17, 2025 at 08:42 am
Take Nixon out of that sentence and just say they should be looking to upgrade every position, with their eyes focused on the future. Now you have a grasp on what the front office does 365 days a year.
It's how Malik Willis happened. I don't think you'll ever hear Brian Gutekunst say, gee, I think we're good here
Oppy
January 17, 2025 at 09:40 am
When you have a legitimate starting talent CB, you look for depth and developmental pieces.
When you have a guy like Nixon as a #1, you are looking to replace him ASAP and move him back down the depth chart.
To pretend there isn't a difference is silly.
Bitternotsour
January 17, 2025 at 08:47 am
starting corner on a top six defense. throw the grades of god knows who out the window, focus on results. Nixon is good, he can play. Grades are created in a vacuum, no consideration of what the coverage is, how the pass rush performed, yada yada yada. Stop using worthless metrics..
dobber
January 17, 2025 at 09:21 am
"Grades are created in a vacuum,...Stop using worthless metrics.."
I can't stop hitting like, but it only gives me one...then it goes away...then it comes back. So I'll stop there.
Grades are created to generate clicks. Every rating system has some kind of inherent bias.
Leatherhead
January 17, 2025 at 12:00 pm
I don't use the like/dislike, but I went ahead and hit like for you .
Look at the results.
Leatherhead
January 17, 2025 at 12:03 pm
If you were inclined to extend that logic... it can only lead to one conclusion: Many of our players are better than the self-appointed cognescenti think they are. Gary, Van Ness, Clark, Slaton, Wyatt, Cooper, Walker, Bullard, Williams etc. Were any of those guys as bad as the critics wants us to believe?
crayzpackfan
January 16, 2025 at 02:24 pm
No
Since'61
January 16, 2025 at 05:13 pm
Nixon is NOT Herb Adderely and he isn't a #1 CB. A decent player but not a #1 CB. He made 2 plays during the Eagles game that hurt the team.
Deciding to run the opening kickoff out of the end zone was an unnecessary and unforced error on his part. Granted the call on the recovery was wrong but still it was a poor decision on his part to run that kick out of the end zone. Then he took a bad penalty for unnecessary roughness on Barkley who was out of bounds.
Another bad play on his part. #1 players don't make stupid decisions and hurt the team and Nixon did it twice in the same game. A playoff game no less.
I'm fine with him as the Packers slot corner and an emergency perimeter corner but he's not a CB #1.
As for the CB room I agree with Leatherhead that the CB room needs to be rebuilt. Hopefully this can be achieved with a first or second round pick plus a day 2 or 3 pick depending on the Packers board plus signing an FA. It's unfortunate that Alexander and Stokes have been injury plagued because they both started out as solid perimeter players, especially Alexander who was a shut down corner when healthy. Thanks, Since '61
stockholder
January 17, 2025 at 12:06 pm
You need to quit living in the past.
This is Gute, not Lombardi.
It's what we can get.
Leatherhead
January 17, 2025 at 12:07 pm
Nixon and Valentine are both under contract for next year, and they're bargains, so I'd expect them both back. We only dress 4 or 5, and we already start with two. But we need starter level players and athletes there. I think a high draft pick and a FA would go a long way towards fixing things.
dobber
January 17, 2025 at 12:26 pm
The depth in the S room takes some pressure off the CB room.
Leatherhead
January 17, 2025 at 03:23 pm
We played a 3 safety nickel at times last year. It got Bullard and Williams on the field with McKinney. And there's KO and even Zayne. It does take some pressure off if we only have to put two good, healthy CBs on the field at the same time.
stockholder
January 17, 2025 at 12:26 pm
Asante Samuel?
jannesbjornson
January 17, 2025 at 05:24 pm
Paulson Adebo, if he doesn't get tagged/extended. Samuel said he wants to stay in L.A., who knows?
I still like Byron Murphy to come onboard. Smith will retire a Viking. He likes Flores style of attack. Otherwise, he would have been a guy to bag last year. You have to have veterans to contol the middle. Get the shut-down guys outside. I would draft Cobee Bryant by Rd. Two. Lanky cover guys, like Arnold and Witherspoon.
stockholder
January 17, 2025 at 10:04 pm
Cobee Bryant will go later than that because of his weight.
I'll take Davison Igbinosun CB OSU rd 3?
jannesbjornson
January 18, 2025 at 10:53 am
Cover corner, not LB. He had his chance with Tyson Campbell, but he grabbed Stokes who got quite a bit of safety help from Pettine as a rookie.
Bitternotsour
January 17, 2025 at 03:58 pm
There are 32 #1 cornerbacks in the league. Every team has a #1. Nixon was ours last season, whether you want to admit it or not. The defense improved in almost every metric including the one that lands on your eyes. Choose not to see it if you wish, but acknowledge you are wearing blinders. They don't make that many Charles Woodson's.
Are there better corners? You betcha. Is Keisan our best healthy corner, undoubtedly. That makes him the #1 corner.
egbertsouse
January 16, 2025 at 06:36 pm
All he has to do to be CB1 on this team is to shoot off his big mouth and get a mysterious injury every time he faces a big-time WR. He’s already surpassed Jaire in yapping but he has to work on the injury part.
NFLfan
January 17, 2025 at 06:05 am
@EG-Hilarious comment!
13TimeChamps
January 17, 2025 at 10:05 am
Yes, mocking players injuries is fuc*ing hilarious. Like another poster suggested...grow up.
GregC
January 17, 2025 at 10:34 am
Oh yes, because we all know JA faked his injury. I'm sure he faked surgery too.
TKWorldWide
January 17, 2025 at 07:20 am
By now the coaches know what Nixon can do. I’d also love to hear them speak on what the heck is wrong with Stokes, who finally stayed healthy all year but obviously didn’t earn much playing time.
I expect to see GB pick a corner in the early rounds of the draft; but what if it’s another Stokes? Heck, they found CV in the 7th and he outplayed Stokes by a lot!
NFLfan
January 17, 2025 at 08:31 am
@TK-Gute cannot be allowed to choose CB's, DL's by himself. He needs to be accompanied by Hafley and/or others w/better understandings.
Bitternotsour
January 17, 2025 at 08:48 am
your naivety is breathtaking.
NFLfan
January 17, 2025 at 09:22 am
@BN-You have a tough job-hang in there.(lol)
dobber
January 17, 2025 at 09:25 am
How do you think draft boards are constructed?
Belichick might have let his dog handle the draft room at some point, but the Packers don't.
13TimeChamps
January 17, 2025 at 10:12 am
Will they have to speak in code? It is small town Green Bay you know. Wouldn't want anything to get out into the "real" world.
LambeauPlain
January 17, 2025 at 09:35 am
"I want to be CB1. CB1 is not doing kick returns. That’s just what it is.”
Mr. Nixon, Mr. Showtime Sanders wants to have a word. Mr. Woodson will talk to you next.
Nixon has shown a great upside. Prior to last season, he rarely took snaps as a DB his entire NFL career. Last season he did...and this season with even greater performance while being AVAILABLE for games and aggressive on the field.
He can continue to improve and I believe he will. To CB #1? Maybe someday. I do not believe the team believes he has rung that bell yet.
dobber
January 17, 2025 at 09:41 am
I wonder if that hit from Burks really got his attention.
NFLfan
January 17, 2025 at 01:36 pm
I think the coaching staff has gassed up Nixon due to a weak CB room and he now has an over-inflated belief that he is more than he really is.
NFLfan
January 17, 2025 at 01:46 pm
Looked to me like they both aimed at each other's helmets.
NFLfan
January 17, 2025 at 01:49 pm
I don't think Rasul will come back-he thought Gutekunst's terse 'we're trading you' call was a prank and hung up. Mark Murphy had to call him back and go into more detail and thank him. I think players remember how they were treated.
PackfanNY
January 18, 2025 at 03:12 pm
Keishan Nixon not only isn’t CB-1 he might get cut.
I don’t know what games everyone is watching but he can’t COVER. Sure he’s physical but much of that results in 15 yard penalties. Usually when a guy talks a good game he’s missing something. Saying it doesn’t make it so. The only argument left is he good enough to be part of the solution. I say no. Maybe I’m being harsh but CB-1 status is extreme. No way.