2018 Packers First Round Pick Jaire Alexander

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Alexander, getting setup for interviews after being drafted, learns teammate Lamar Jackson was drafted.

https://twitter.com/thecheckdown/status/989723805139390465

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Matt Bowen @MattBowen41
Matt Bowen Retweeted Steve Ross
Alexander can improve his technique. And that comes with reps. But I really like his coverage ability. Press-man. 4.3 speed. Competes, too. Good fit for Pettine’s defense in Green Bay.

[Anti-Polar Bear]

Finally, a DB with some fashion sense.

29 years ago, the Packers took the Manchurian Candidate over the fashionable Neon Deion.

[bobblehead]

I like the pick. He can learn a year behind Herb Waters.

After reflecting for a night, I hate the pick. Taking Derwin James right where we were at 14 was the move I wanted. I think we may live to regret it. I hope I'm wrong.

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Charles Woodson @CharlesWoodson
Congrats @JaireAlexander you’ll love working with coach Whitt #begreat

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After reflecting for a night, I hate the pick. Taking Derwin James right where we were at 14 was the move I wanted. I think we may live to regret it. I hope I'm wrong.

Beat guys are all guessing that the Pack had Edmunds, Ward, Alexander and James all with Round 1 grades at positions of need.

Its possible all of us are getting our Edmunds confused, but I think one of them is a DB.

Anyway, I think its more likely they wanted coverage rather than a strong safety. They have Jones and even if James is a better talent, they needed coverage both outside and inside and Alexander fits that bill better than James.

I would love to hear if those short shuttle and 3cone times scared anyone though (off James).

[Deputy Nutz]

I don't totally disagree. Derwin James looks the part. If you could draw up a prototypical safety I think James would have been it. He did last longer than I thought he would so I am not sure if that stupid 3 cone and shuttle scared other teams away.

[Deputy Nutz]

James can cover the slot, but he doesn't have Alexander's skill in coverage, but when Dix and Jones whiff on tackles or can't keep ball carriers in front of them you know the Packers done fucked up

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I don't totally disagree. Derwin James looks the part. If you could draw up a prototypical safety I think James would have been it. He did last longer than I thought he would so I am not sure if that stupid 3 cone and shuttle scared other teams away.

the other goofy thing is, he didn't run them at the Combine. Was her perhaps hurt? Bad ankle during workouts or something and they were waiting for it to heal?

Or did he know his numbers in those were bad and was working on making them better.

[Deputy Nutz]

Good question. I don't think the film lies though. He gets to where he needs to be. James just kind of glides to where he is supposed to be with very little effort. He has really good vision and anticipation.

[mraynrand]

.....

ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Outstanding size-speed ratio and athletic ability. Fluid movement skills -- makes it look easy flipping his hips and reacting to the thrown ball. Very good transitional quickness and recovery speed. Superb feet and agility to pop out of his breaks and close on the ball -- explosively quick. Natural interceptor with very good hand-eye coordination, leaping ability and overall ball skills. Very good vision and traffic burst as a returner

WEAKNESSES Is a bit soft-tempered -- not as aggressive or physical in run support as you would expect for his size. Can do a better job shedding blockers. Too often lets teammates arrive first at the scene. Spent time in the doghouse as a young player. Has some growing up to do -- maintains a lockdown corner's ego, at times coasts on his natural talent and is not immune to mental errors.

[mraynrand]

Beat guys are all guessing that the Pack had Edmunds, Ward, Alexander and James all with Round 1 grades at positions of need.

Its possible all of us are getting our Edmunds confused, but I think one of them is a DB.

Wait, you don't know? Pittsburgh took the DB and the Bills took Tremaine, the 19 year old beast of a LB at #16... The LB is the guy the Packers could have taken. It's tempting. That kid could just be awesome.

[Pugger]

Finally, a DB with some fashion sense.

Maybe its because I am a woman but those shoes don't match his outfit.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I would love to hear if those short shuttle and 3cone times scared anyone though (off James).

It had to. One of the stranger results at Pro Days that I can remember. Since Thompson took over, the Packers have only drafted one safety with a worse shuttle (Jerron McMillian) and have never drafted a safety with a worse 3-cone. To put it in perspective, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (who was on the lower end of measurables amongst the safeties the Packers have drafted) had 4.16 shuttle and 7.16 3-cone. James tested at 4.34 shuttle and 7.34 3-cone, and it was at his Pro Day instead of the Combine. Pro Days results are generally better than Combine results - which is why teams don't always trust the Pro Day results. I agree with Nutz though, James was draftable at #14 or #18 because of his tape. I'm good with how it worked out.

[run pMc]

I think they are hoping he's Sam Shields II.

I'm ok with the pick, but yeah, with some of the others on the board (Edmunds, James, Davenport) there's room for second guessing and I'm sure people will be doing the "Watt vs. King" thing again with these picks.