Packers could recreate Rasul Douglas magic with intriguing CB options around the NFL

Back in 2021, cornerback Jaire Alexander hurt his shoulder. He was set to miss a significant part of the season, and the Green Bay Packers needed options. Eric Stokes was an unproven rookie, and the other alternatives were mediocre at best: Isaac Yiadom, Shemar Jean-Charles, Kevin King, and Chandon Sullivan in the slot. General manager […]

Wendell Ferreira NFL News Writer
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Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Tre Flowers (37) throws the ball to fans in the stands as he warmed up ahead of the start of Saturday's game against the Chiefs. The Jaguars led 20 to 10 at the end of the first half. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Kansas City Chiefs in the Jaguars first preseason game of the season Saturday, August10, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla.
Bob Self/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK

Back in 2021, cornerback Jaire Alexander hurt his shoulder. He was set to miss a significant part of the season, and the Green Bay Packers needed options. Eric Stokes was an unproven rookie, and the other alternatives were mediocre at best: Isaac Yiadom, Shemar Jean-Charles, Kevin King, and Chandon Sullivan in the slot.

General manager Brian Gutekunst was forced to find options in the market, so he signed Rasul Douglas off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad.

Douglas not only was a good depth piece, but he established himself as a really good starter. Last year, the Packers traded him to the Buffalo Bills for a swap of third- and fifth-round picks, a move that Gutekunst would probably want back.

Now that the Packers are thin at cornerback again, and Jaire Alexander is hurt again, Green Bay could look for a similar solution — especially because safety Javon Bullard got injured against the Detroit Lions, and he had been a starter in the slot.

It’s hard for a practice squad player to come in and be as successful as Rasul Douglas was for the Packers, but there are some intriguing options around the league.

Tre Flowers, Indianapolis Colts

Flowers is 29 and has been in the league since 2018. His best moments were with the Seattle Seahawks, but he also played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Now, he's on the Colts' PS, and Chris Ballard tends to like the same types of players that Brian Gutekunst does.

Desmond King, Baltimore Ravens

King is a 29-year-old slot corner, something the Packers might need if Javon Bullard's injury is more serious. He's played for the Los Angeles Chargers, Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers, and this year has been with the Ravens. Usually, NFL pundits and analysts love him, but the NFL hasn't been as high on what he can do.

Andrew Booth Jr., Dallas Cowboys

A second-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, Booth never became what Kwesi Adofo-Mensah projected. However, he had some decent moments last season. In 2024, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys and spent part of the season on the 53-man roster. Booth was waived in early November and brought back to the Cowboys' practice squad.

Tre Herndon, New Orleans Saints

Despite being undrafted, Herndon played six seasons for the Jacksonville Jaguars, so he is a really experienced player. This season, his first out of Jacksonville, he spent some time with the New York Giants and is now with the Saints. According to PFF, last season was his best in the NFL (especially in coverage).

Kyu Blu Kelly, Las Vegas Raiders

We know the Packers like him, because Gutekunst claimed Blu Kelly off waivers in 2023 and he spent a month in Green Bay. A former fifth-round pick, he has also played for the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, and Washington Commanders. He's been with the Raiders since September, and as a 23-year-old player, his ceiling is higher.