The Green Bay Packers think they have four different players that can move inside and play the “star” position at slot cornerback within Joe Barry’s defense.
Defensive backs coach Jerry Gray said the team is using Chandon Sullivan, Shemar Jean-Charles, Darnell Savage and Jaire Alexander in the slot and are expecting to interchange the four based on who they are defending inside.
“We have four guys that can really, really play at that level, depending on who is in the slot,” Gray said. “We’re giving guys chances so when they get in there, it’s not their first time that they’ve been in that position, and I think that’s good for us.”
Gray said Sullivan is doing a “great job” in the slot, and Savage is “begging” to get more time there. Alexander started repping in the slot this past week, and Jean-Charles is being trained to play inside.
Matchups could dictate who is in the slot during a given week. For instance, Gray mentioned if a team has two good tight ends, Savage might come down and play the slot. Or if a team wants to put its No. 1 receiver in the slot, Alexander can “match” him inside.
Sullivan was the team’s primary slot corner last season and looks like a good bet to play a lot inside once again in 2021. He was one of the standouts from Saturday night’s Family Night scrimmage.
The Packers are also getting Jean-Charles, a fifth-round pick, up to speed inside.
Gray said Jean-Charles is “not afraid to make tackles” and “tough” enough to play the slot at the NFL level.
Training camp is young, but it looks like the Packers have a good handle on an important position in Barry’s defense. Sullivan provides a starter, Savage and Alexander are matchup weapons against specific looks and Jean-Charles is the apprentice in training.
