Packers GM excited for competition at CB behind three expected starters

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst would never rule out adding to a position group if the right opportunity arose, but the team's roster builder is also excited to see the competition at cornerback play out behind expected starters Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs and Carrington Valentine this summer.

An addition to the cornerback group isn't likely until Gutekunst gets to see more of his young players during training camp.

"Between Kalen King, Kamal Hadden and Micah Robinson, I think there's going to be some really good competition for the backend of the roster (at cornerback). I'm excited to give those guys that opportunity to see," Gutekunst told Aaron Nagler and Corey Behnke of CheeseheadTV.

King, a seventh-round pick of the Packers last year, and Hadden, a sixth-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs last year, both spent the entire regular season on Green Bay's practice squad last year. Robinson is a seventh-round pick from the 2025 draft. Considering the current depth chart at cornerback, at least two of the three could earn important roles as backups this season.

Gutekunst, who released oft-injured All-Pro Jaire Alexander earlier this month, is happy with his starting trio at cornerback and is ready to give King, Hadden and Robinson a real opportunity to earn roles behind Nixon, Hobbs and Valentine.

"I like where we are right now," Gutekunst said. "There are some guys who are going to have to go earn it to solidify the backend of the corner group. I'd like to see those guys have the opportunity to compete for those jobs."

The Packers also signed cornerbacks Isaiah Dunn and Gregory Junior, who both have past NFL experience, and undrafted free agent Tyron Herring, so there are other options behind King, Hadden and Robinson as well.

King got a rave review from assistant coach Derrick Ansley early in the offseason workout program, while Nixon highlighted Hadden as a standout player during OTAs -- so there is internal optimism building.

Barring injury, the majority of the Packers' cornerback snaps in 2025 will go to Nixon, Hobbs and Valentine, who all have started games and can play multiple cornerback spots in Jeff Hafley's defense.

"We feel really good about those three guys. And the versatility they bring, all three guys can play inside and outside, so we're excited about that," Gutekunst said. "There's not many teams in this league that have three guys that they feel really good about, we do, so I like our depth there."

The Packers' depth at cornerback will be revealed this summer. If King, Hadden or Robinson can prove ready to play meaningful snaps in 2025, the position will be in decent shape. If not, the Packers may have to go hunting for a veteran who can provide stability behind the three expected starters.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers GM excited for competition at CB behind three expected starters