Cory's Corner: Corner Should Be A Priority
The Packers don't just need a cornerback, it's a must do in a division stocked with difference makers at receiver.
The Green Bay Packers don’t have a cornerback problem — until they do.
That’s how this organization tends to operate under general manager Brian Gutekunst. Needs are rarely addressed at their peak urgency. Instead, they’re anticipated, quietly, a year in advance.
But this time, the timing may have caught up with them.
As the roster currently stands, the Packers are likely to enter the 2026 season leaning heavily on Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine as primary cornerbacks. Both have had moments. Both have shown flashes. Neither has consistently proven to be the kind of reliable, week-to-week answer a contending defense requires.
That might be manageable in another division.
It’s not in the NFC North.
Twice a year, Green Bay has to deal with Justin Jefferson, one of the league’s premier route runners and game-breakers. Then there’s Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has built a reputation as one of the most dependable and precise receivers in football. Add in the vertical speed of Jameson Williams and the emerging size and polish of Rome Odunze, and the reality becomes unavoidable:
This is a division that stresses cornerbacks at every level.
It’s not just about having bodies at the position. It’s about having answers.
Right now, the Packers have questions.
Nixon has value — particularly with his versatility and return ability — but asking him to consistently shadow top-tier receivers is a different challenge entirely. He finished last season with modest ball production — fewer than double-digit pass breakups—and graded out in the lower half of qualifying cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus. Opposing quarterbacks didn’t shy away from testing him, and too often, they found favorable matchups.
Valentine, meanwhile, has been a solid developmental story, but opposing offenses have not hesitated to test him. And too often, they’ve found success. The young corner showed flashes early in his career, but over a full season, consistency proved elusive. His pass breakup totals remained middling, and his Pro Football Focus grade placed him closer to the bottom tier of starting-caliber corners than the top. For a player frequently targeted by opposing offenses, that’s a concerning combination. Put it this way, Valentine had four pass break ups last year and gave up six touchdowns.
That’s not an indictment. It’s a reflection of the standard.
Because in today’s NFL — and especially in this division —“good enough” at cornerback isn’t good enough.
This is where the draft comes in, and more specifically, Day 2.
Historically, the Packers have found success mining the second and third rounds for defensive backs. It’s a sweet spot for traits: length, speed, and upside without the premium cost of a first-round selection. And it aligns with how Gutekunst builds — investing in positions that are expensive to maintain in free agency.
More importantly, it aligns with the reality on the field.
If Green Bay waits until cornerback becomes a glaring weakness, it’s already too late. By then, they’re reacting instead of building. And in a division loaded with elite pass-catchers, reaction is a losing strategy.
Drafting a cornerback on Day 2 wouldn’t just be about competition. It would be about insurance. About flexibility. About giving defensive coordinator options when facing offenses that can attack every blade of grass.
It would also send a message: that the Packers understand the challenge in front of them.
Because stopping Justin Jefferson isn’t a one-man job. Neither is containing Amon-Ra St. Brown or running stride-for-stride with Jameson Williams. And as Rome Odunze continues to develop, that list isn’t getting any easier.
The Packers don’t need perfection at cornerback.
But they do need reliability. They need depth. They need options.
And right now, they need more than they have.
Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft won’t define Green Bay’s season. But it could define how well they’re equipped to survive it.
In this division, that starts on the outside.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (53)
TKWorldWide
April 14, 2026 at 06:54 am
How about a corner that is so good that he forces his way past 24 and or 25 and earns a lot of snaps? And once on the field, he continues to improve and ascend?
On a related note, I’d love to hear GB’s 100% honest evaluation of their returning corners (Of all their players, actually) rather than the press conference version of “we like our guys.”
Cheezehead72
April 14, 2026 at 07:09 am
That's like getting an honest evaluation of a person selling you a used car or really selling anything.
I often though of how neat it would be to be a fly on the wall in the war room but hearing the coaches honest evaluations of current players would be right up there.
TKWorldWide
April 14, 2026 at 08:58 am
EXACTLY!
And
Ron Wolf was a little like that.
LambeauPlain
April 14, 2026 at 10:32 am
I recall the Wolfman once saying to new player arrivals in Green Bay:
"I tell them: Welcome to Green Bay! You will be a Packer until I can find someone to replace you."
He said it kind of tongue on cheek...kind of.
GreenandBold
April 14, 2026 at 11:35 am
In turn I’d like to hear Gutes honest opinion of MLF and for that matter the players honest opinion of MLF and how he handles crunch time game situations .
jannesbjornson
April 14, 2026 at 03:12 pm
Well, we've heard some of the Player's reports via the PFF commentary. HUA.
Savage57
April 14, 2026 at 07:35 am
Valentine is a liability. Paragraph, Period, -30-.
I remain hopeful Diggs' connection with Parsons induces him to strongly consider a career renewal with Green Bay following the draft at a reasonable number until current judgment can be rendered as to his long-term value and worth.
This will be a needy draft for the Packers, and hopefully the stars align prospect availability-wise with BAP there at NT and CB with their first two picks.
GregC
April 14, 2026 at 09:42 am
Diggs might be worth a longer look, but he was absolutely awful last year, which is why the Cowboys cut him. He allowed a 156.3 passer rating, which was the worst in the entire NFL. If he did that for the Packers, fans would rightfully be demanding for him to be let go, and he probably would be. Yet his name keeps coming up as a potential savior for our CB group, which was average, not awful, in 2025.
golfpacker61
April 15, 2026 at 05:15 pm
Rasul Douglas. Martin Emerson.
LambeauPlain
April 14, 2026 at 10:43 am
Valentine doesn't tackle...it is nearly a literal comment. He's so bad, if he wasn't a Packer CB, it would be humorous. Tremendous liability in this essential skill.
One option I have never seen discussed is to move Bullard to the CB room to play boundary, move Valentine to backup. Bull is as fast as Nixon (both 4.4), has good cover skills, solid tackler and is a solid read and react DB.
See if one of the backup Safeties like Oladapo can play slot or one of the back up CBs (Hadden) can play there...or draft a prospect.
Coldworld
April 14, 2026 at 10:51 am
Bullard can’t cover WRs particularly well in the slot. It’s a bit of a stretch to see him outside. I know some thought he was a corner before the draft, but they also thought his weakness was tackling and his strength man coverage as a corner. From what I’ve seen, I think that looks a lot less like the player we’ve seen since.
LambeauPlain
April 14, 2026 at 10:59 am
Kind of depends what the experienced DB coaches view Bull's performance tape. Gannon, Babich and Bullocks are all long time NFL DB coaches.
I am more concerned about the front 7 than the DB rooms.
Coldworld
April 14, 2026 at 12:33 pm
Bullard is interesting though because he was thought of by different sources as either a Zone FS and a man cover corner. Those are pretty divergent assessments Run play was supposed to be his weakness. He’s far more diversely athletic on paper than he’s looked to me in his current role while here. From what I’ve seen, as I said, my eyes tell me no, the corner group were deluded. However, it’s just possible, as you say, that it’s what he’s been asked to do and how.
GreenandBold
April 14, 2026 at 11:39 am
Yes how many times was Valentine embarrassed with stiff arms all the way down the field during his feeble attempts to tackle ? Never seen anything like it .
jannesbjornson
April 14, 2026 at 03:20 pm
He is at best a dime back. I would have moved on last season.
PackEyedOptimist
April 14, 2026 at 07:37 am
I'm embarrassed for you Cory.
How do you write this article and not even MENTION Benjamin St Juste?
I do agree that we need to add another CB, possibly two if Gute doesn't feel absolutely confident that the first one is going to be good enough.
I also predict that quite a few CBs are going to go earlier than the fans/sites are predicting.
dobber
April 14, 2026 at 07:53 am
"I also predict that quite a few CBs are going to go earlier than the fans/sites are predicting."
I think you're right.
"I do agree that we need to add another CB, possibly two if Gute doesn't feel absolutely confident that the first one is going to be good enough."
I think they pick two if only because they stand to lose so many this coming off-season. They played with fire last season by coming out of camp with only 3 CB with any NFL game experience, and they got lucky by only having one player (Hobbs) miss much of any time. They had similar injury luck at S. That seems impossible to repeat.
They've got to replenish the CB depth chart, and those guys will need to play soon.
dobber
April 14, 2026 at 07:49 am
"He finished last season with modest ball production — fewer than double-digit pass breakups—and graded out in the lower half of qualifying cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus."
Sorry Cory-bot, but PFF itself begs to differ with your assertions on Nixon...
pff.com/nfl/players/keisean-nixon/56167
While some of the numbers are not overwhelming, PFF says...
66.4 overall score (60 is average), 41st of 114 qualified CB overall
2nd of 114 qualified CB in PBU with 13 (which has two digits)
Guam
April 14, 2026 at 08:02 am
And here I thought Cory might actually have a worthwhile and semi-accurate article. Thanks for the fact checking Dobber!
Coldworld
April 14, 2026 at 08:10 am
We really do not know what defense Gannon will run and thus what coverage philosophy will predominate. However, it seems pretty likely it won’t be the same as Hafley’s. Hafley focussed on keeping the ball in front of his corners wherever possible and playing off coverage as part of that.
That is what Nixon does best in coverage terms: facing the QB and the play and closing on the catch. To the extent that is reduced, Nixon’s challenges grow. He’s not particularly agile and able to change direction on a dime. That makes mirroring difficult. He also often doesn’t get his head around.
Nixon as a perimeter corner in any new system does give me concerns. He wasn’t terrible last year, as you point out, but he wasn’t great and no system is likely to suit him, or mask his weaknesses and emphasize his strengths, as much as Hafley’s. I think it’s brave to assume Nixon will be as good this year. Given what he was last year, that ought to concern Gute.
dobber
April 14, 2026 at 08:23 am
Maybe I'm being a bit of a conspiracy theorist, but I think the Packers are encouraging Gannon to lay low. Why? I'm not sure. Maybe Gannon wants some time to clear the bad taste of AZ...maybe they don't want to tip their hands to the rest of the division as to what to expect. I think the draft will tell us something about what kinds of players--and what kind of defensive sets--to expect.
I think you pegged Nixon about right. He's an average CB who needs to be playing zone or slot, and will look better playing across from a better CB (as most CB do).
Coldworld
April 14, 2026 at 12:38 pm
Gannon is devising a wholly new defense that will crush the spirits of our opponents before eventually becoming the league norm. Gannon will be enshrined in the Pantheon of great NFL innovators and Packer legends.
Cheezehead72
April 14, 2026 at 08:42 am
Looking at his past Gannon tends to utilize zone coverage and wants to prevent big plays. With our current front seven, not sure what the draft might bring, I see him sticking with that philosophy. After all you do not want your DBs to have their back to the play.
This defense is good as long as they can stop them from scoring touchdowns and making them kick FGs.
I am with Dobber in that I see the Packers running a safe defense this year especially at the beginning until they can see what they have.
Coldworld
April 14, 2026 at 10:59 am
If we play quarters that’s not a true zone scheme. Defenders do start in a zone but transition to man coverage once a receiver enters their area. So essentially, other than fast short throws it’s more individual coverage/tracking. On deeper routes the defender picks the WR up and essentially plays the WR in man coverage.
Obviously, we don’t know if Gannon is actually going that route, but that’s the one widely predicted. It probably helps Valentine and St Juste. It seems very unlikely to suit Nixon and Hadden in particular, due to their stiffness. Therefore it’s possible Gannon goes a different way, certainly.
jannesbjornson
April 14, 2026 at 03:25 pm
He cannot handcuff McKinney and take away his playmaking ability having him squat deep.
LambeauPlain
April 14, 2026 at 10:52 am
From what I have read, Gannon likes to mix his fronts and his coverages. He skews more toward the 3-4 but has no hesitancy going into a game with more of a 4-3 attack plan if it fits his players' strengths vs the opponent. And the same philosophy in pass D.
Hafley sang from this hymnal (playing defense to players decided strengths) after arriving in Green Bay. But last year, after losing Parsons and Wyatt, was fairly inflexible and not at all creative...especially when playing with a lead (they too often lost).
Coldworld
April 14, 2026 at 11:04 am
Hafley seemed to follow the pattern of all DCs under LaFleur. Start out trying to win and gradually shift to trying not to lose. In other words he got more conservative and vanilla. I think part of it was that he knew he did not have the front stop the run and had try to find band aids for that.
golfpacker61
April 15, 2026 at 05:22 pm
"We really do not know what defense Gannon will run and thus what coverage philosophy will predominate."
We do not really know Gannon since he hasn't made himself available to any media. He is starting to remind me of the officer that Hawkeye invented on the TV series Mash. I think his name was Tuttle and they made him seem like the greatest soldier and human being ever. And then killed him off.
GreenandBold
April 14, 2026 at 11:57 am
I think Corey is trusting his eyes more than the numbers from PFF on Nixon . I think the Packers should be trying to get better than Nixon .
golfpacker61
April 14, 2026 at 08:06 am
"If Green Bay waits until cornerback becomes a glaring weakness, it’s already too late." Ir's been a glaring weakness for years already
The last 3 years of Stokes and Alexander missing games and underperforming should have been a flashing sign. Our 2 "starting" CBs are below average, and the 4-5 behind them might as well not have names, they are just bodies filling positions.
Well we have to start somewhere and St Juste is at least an effort to start rebuilding the room. I will acknowledge Gutey was trying when he signed Hobbs, but it was another surprisingly bad effort to put a square peg in a round hole. We need 2 in the draft, another FA, and some UFDA competition. Maybe Rasul Douglas on a 1 year? He is still probably better than Nixon or Valentine.
As far as our backups go, GB would be better off taking the $1 million that the backup CBs get and find 4 new young CBs off the FA list who have actually started NFL games. There are better players out there. Martin Emerson is coming off an injury but worked out for the Texans, he started 3 years for a good Browns defense, why not bring him in?
Coldworld
April 14, 2026 at 08:22 am
There are quite a few CBs in this draft I think will make us better. Of course there will be growing pains. But if we want upside in future to rebuild the room, not just band aids, we need to be active in the draft.
However, I think we will probably draft and then look at what we got and who is available as draft classes often lead to roster churn. I do not see FA as a solution in isolation, but as a means to bolster what this draft offers at CB.
If we allow ourselves to miss out on the CB class this year, we will regret it as much as many of us do the failure to address DT last year and Gute’s seat will get hotter. It’s one thing to miss on a player, another to serially fail to address key positional groups when a class dangles them.
dobber
April 14, 2026 at 08:27 am
"as much as many of us do the failure to address DT last year"
The failure came from waiting into the season as long as they did to find DT help, and then settling for PS poaching. The Packers went late looking for a developmental DT in the draft, but the team looked a lot different in April than they looked at the end of August. Kenny Clark may have been declining, but a front of Clark/Wyatt would've projected out way differently in an even front than Wyatt/Brooks or Wyatt/Wooden.
Cheezehead72
April 14, 2026 at 08:32 am
As much as I question Gute and his draft picks and FA moves I do not see him not picking at least 2 CBs in this draft. All I ask is that he does not reach. Yes I know there is a big possibility of him only taking one CB in the draft because he might have to reach to get the other one. If he does go with only one I hope it is early.
dobber
April 14, 2026 at 08:59 am
I think 2 is probably the number, and they'll bring in a few UDFAs. I wouldn't be surprised if his CB picks are all on day 3.
Coldworld
April 14, 2026 at 11:07 am
I think we draft 2 corners before round 6, at least one on day 2. Corner is the strongest class in this draft by some way, fortunately, right down to round 5. After that, it’s a big drop off in current capability in particular.
I’m not sure if any of Bartholemew, Herring or Simpson are rated as worth investing in further or if they are made more or less relevant by a potential change in system. Not only is CB weak at the top but the pipeline may be completely cleared out as well.
golfpacker61
April 14, 2026 at 12:21 pm
" Not only is CB weak at the top but the pipeline may be completely cleared out as well."
And it needs to be CW. I will add Valentine to those other 3 names, and to be honest Hadden is going to be gone awhile too if he comes back at all.
2 CBs in the draft as you say before round 6, I would be thrilled if it was Igbinosun & Daylen Everette. Both have starting ability. Grab 2 UFDA CBs too, and sign at least 2 more younger FAs that have playing experience. That would be a great start to rebuilding the CB room and who knows, maybe that makes Nixon expendable mid season.
LambeauPlain
April 14, 2026 at 10:54 am
Ironically, the Packers should have kept Stokes and could have kept him for pennies on the dollar. He had a very productive year for the Raiders and parlayed his performance into a big new K.
Too bad.
dobber
April 14, 2026 at 08:17 pm
Stokes was mis-cast in the Barry and Hafley zone-heavy defenses. Bringing him back was unlikely to have helped. He needed the change of scenery.
BuckyBadger
April 14, 2026 at 09:12 am
I don't think it is high a priority for the draft as NT, DT or even EDGE. Another threat at EDGE will give them a rotation that will make the job at CB a lot easier. If you can rush 4 and drop 7 the CBs don't have to be shut down guys. CBs can also be found later in the draft more often than the positions maned by big men. I would even say OL should be considered at 52 over CB.
stockholder
April 14, 2026 at 09:20 am
I still don't see the need to replace
Nixon or Valentine.
Yes, the Wrs are becoming the
best athlete's on the field.
But even a Alexander couldn't stop
Jefferson without a good pass rush.
So why blow up your roster for depth?
@52- your chances of getting a starting
CB are slim to none. Gute isn't the TT of old.
Chances are Stukes at NB would work.
Chances are Demmings at 120 would work.
Chances are they might be the best case scenario
after we follow the vikings and the Lions.
But- your pushing Gute into a corner.
To beat the odds; and whats best for the offense.
A offense that lacks just as much depth as the defense.
dobber
April 14, 2026 at 09:58 am
"I still don't see the need to replace
Nixon or Valentine."
Get the best players they can on the field. It may be that the replacement doesn't happen directly in '26, but one or both of Nixon and Valentine will be out in '27.
"@52- your chances of getting a starting
CB are slim to none. "
Go back through draft after draft and rookie starters at CB have been found in round 2 or later in just about every draft. The issue is finding the right guy...
"A offense that lacks just as much depth as the defense."
Sadly true.
Coldworld
April 14, 2026 at 11:21 am
If Valentine could bring himself to tackle then he’d be heading for a long career. I do think the Hafley system was perhaps the worst fit for him, a player who covers his man very well but looks clearly intimidated by run defense. Some never get over that instinctive hesitation over initiating contact with an oncoming target. I fear he is one, unfortunately. If he could just become adequate I think he’d have a very good career.
golfpacker61
April 14, 2026 at 12:13 pm
Should we just let mediocre below average CBs start for us going forward? I don't get your thinking there stockholder. How are we blowing up the roster by drafting and filling a huge need @ CB?
Isn't Stukes a Slot and don't we need a Boundary? I like Demmings and Daylen Everette, but I still think Igbinosun could start over Valentine. Starting at DB for Ohio State is as close to NFL competition as it gets, probably more so than GBs CB room the last 2 years.
Maybe, just maybe our DBs can get some turnovers that would help our offense. The Packers have some weak spots, CB is weaker than others, but we are at least trying to fill and upgrade.
stockholder
April 14, 2026 at 12:37 pm
How- Below average-
Ok- you want Nixon and valentine replaced.
I'm saying; even if they had Alexander in his prime.
You can't stop a Devante Adams ,Jefferson etc.
(Without a pass rush) .I get you didn't like giving up 1s
for parsons. But it's about pressure, not coverage.
A QB cannot be given time to pick you a part.
Stukes is a NB and Buford has no one behind him.
No rookie will start. Competition/Depth is needed.
Upgrade is never needed unless your re-building.
Pff grades don't justify a re-build.
Another new DC. More changes.
If you tell me that he wants to make the changes.
That would convince me that Nixon or carpenter suck.
golfpacker61
April 14, 2026 at 06:31 pm
"I get you didn't like giving up 1s for parsons. But it's about pressure, not coverage.
A QB cannot be given time to pick you a part."
You couldn't be farther from the truth Stock. I was 1000% thrilled with the Parsons trade. Before that I was advocating for a Myles Garrett trade. Those 2 guys change the entire defense. Giving up 2 first round picks that we would have messed up anyway was a pittance to get a superstar. I only wished it was Gary not Clark that we traded.
As far as our current group of CBs goes, "You can't make a silk purse of of a sows ear" is so true. We need 6 different CBs to go with St Juste.
The Packers don't need a nickleback, they need BOUNDARY CBs. Nixon can fill in behind Bullard, I don't know who Buford is.
stockholder
April 14, 2026 at 07:16 pm
Six?
See your changing the roster.
Stukes is a hitter.
But he gives you the best CB
for whats available @52.@RAS
Following the consensus board
is what I did.
But it would blow everyone's mind if
we got both RBs.
I really prefer a OL.
Because I hate the CBs available.
IMO not one will unseat Valentine.
Flash in the pan is not what I'm after.
I want guys who will get a second contract.
Nixon and Valentine will get paid.
golfpacker61
April 15, 2026 at 09:08 am
Big hitters don't last long in the NFL. And Valentine just can't tackle, he is a liability.
Julian Neal, Davison Igbinosun or Daylen Everette, 2 of them please with a side of Dani Dennis-Sutton.
golfpacker61
April 14, 2026 at 10:43 am
What do all of you posters think about a trade for Dexter Lawrence? I have a wild offer idea of offering DeVonte Wyatt and a 2027 pick. The Giants don't want to lose him because their DL would really suffer. Wyatt is younger and was a first round pick and would give them back a younger starter. GB would be very close in salary losing Wyatt & Wicks. It would give GB the missing piece we have been lacking for years and Lawrence isn't going to make much more than we were paying Clark. It also saves us from another contract with Wyatt. Tell me what you think.
Coldworld
April 14, 2026 at 11:24 am
We can’t afford Lawrence without probably giving up Wyatt and Walker. Possibly Kraft too. He wants to be paid. Had we not taken on Parsons, I think it would be an excellent move. As it is I think it would hurt as much as it helps.
LambeauPlain
April 14, 2026 at 11:28 am
I agree but who is Walker?
Coldworld
April 14, 2026 at 12:45 pm
Watson in a bad disguise
stockholder
April 14, 2026 at 01:01 pm
This sounds like your re-visiting the DTs
we have, and could draft.
Gute would have to trade 2 picks to go up.
It takes 3 years for a project at DT.
I dumped all my possible drafted NTs .
I prefer to stay with what Gute has now.
Size, Heart,Legal, versatility, length.
I'm staying with Hargrave and Newhouse.
LambeauPlain
April 14, 2026 at 11:16 am
Gutey could trade his two 5th rounders for another 4th...just ahead of their own 120 for 119 or just after at 121 per the draft value chart. Depends if Carolina or Pittsburg want to play.
Just for fun I looked into Gutey's 5th round draft history.
Starting in 2018 to 2025: Scott, MVS, Keke, Martin, Slaton, Jean-Charles, Enagbare, Wicks, Clifford, Monk, Oladapo, Oliver. NO starters from the 12-5th rounders, but 4 solid back up/rotation players in MVS, Slaton, Enagbare, Wicks.
4th round history?
Moore, Newman, Tom, Doubs, Wooden, E. Williams, Sorrell. Out of the 7 selections, 4 starters...maybe Sorrell will be this year too.
Gutey's first two fourth rounders didn't pan out...but since, he's rung the bell in the 4th round.