Packers plan to use versatility of deep cornerback room to their advantage

GREEN BAY – While the Packers return most of their top 10 defense from a year ago, one key spot came available in Green Bay’s primary nickel package when slot cornerback Chandon Sullivan signed with Minnesota in March.

But the Packers aren’t necessarily looking for one single player to fill the void.

The re-signing of Rasul Douglas ensured a deep position group remained deep for 2022 and beyond, but also raised questions about who will bump inside among the talented trio of Douglas, All-Pro Jaire Alexander and 2021 first-round pick Eric Stokes.

All three have predominately played outside during their time in Green Bay, with the Packers often preferring to line up their corners at specific spots than having one travel against an opponent’s top receiver. That could change next season, though.

When asked during the Packers’ offseason program who has the ability to handle the “star” nickel cornerback spot, defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator Jerry Gray maintained all three are capable of playing inside.

“I think all our guys do,” Gray said. “Ja played a little bit last year, played it the year before; Rasul Douglas the same way. We’ve got guys who can play more than one position, and I think that’s only going to help you.”

The nickel cornerback post has been a key cog in Green Bay’s defense since Dom Capers moved Pro Football Hall of Famer Charles Woodson into the slot. A physical and athletic cornerback, Woodson won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award after a nine-interception season in 2009.

Three years later, Casey Hayward was a finalist for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after snagging six INTs from the slot, while future All-Pro safety Micah Hyde first broke into the Packers’ lineup as an inside corner in the nickel defense in 2013.

The job belonged to Sullivan for the better part of two seasons, with Alexander and Kevin King occasionally sliding inside. In looking for ways to get Alexander, Douglas and Stokes all on the field together, defensive…