Count second-year Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander among Jake Kumerow’s growing legion of fans.
While speaking recently to Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal, Alexander lavished praise on Kumerow, a favorite of quarterback Aaron Rodgers who is attempting to make the Packers’ 53-man roster for a second-straight year.
“Jake Kumerow, he’s a beast,” Alexander told Wilde. “Cool. Cool guy, a competitor, I really like his hands, his routes. He’s real good. He’s one of those sleeper kind of receivers, (where) you don’t really expect it. Shoot. He’s definitely good.”
Kumerow burst onto the scene last summer and instantly became a trusted target for Rodgers, who appreciates his unwavering reliability and innate ability to do all the little things right.
He’s also solidified himself as a big-play threat, as Alexander knows first-hand. During the Family Night Scrimmage at Lambeau Field last Friday, Kumerow got behind Alexander’s one-on-one coverage and made a terrific contested catch along the sideline with Alexander all over him.
It was a play Rodgers especially appreciated. Kumerow waited until the last second to get his hands into position, giving Alexander no time to play the ball or his hands.
But big plays have been commonplace for No. 16 over the last two summers.
Last preseason, Kumerow played in just two games but still caught six passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns, including a 52-yard touchdown against the Tennessee Titans and an 82-yard score against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Although he started the regular season on injured reserve, he came back and played in the last five games, catching eight passes for 103 yards and a 49-yard touchdown from Rodgers in New York.
Now, Kumerow is closing in on a roster spot and a legitimate role in the Packers offense. He’s not only earned the trust of Rodgers and coach Matt LaFleur, but he’s earned the respect of his defensive teammates, including the team’s top cornerback.
Jake Kumerow: Underestimated by some, but fully appreciated in the locker room at Lambeau Field.
