Who is Green Bay's No. 4 cornerback?

Most NFL analysts know that the Green Bay Packers have an elite defensive backfield. More specifically, they have arguably the best trio of cornerbacks in All-Pro Jaire Alexander, standout mid-season acquisition Rasul Douglas and talented second-year defender Eric Stokes. However, it is true in the NFL that injuries and inexperience are a real part of the sport. Last season, the team lost Alexander for almost the entire campaign with a shoulder injury. Douglas didn't come to play for the Packers until October. Eric Stokes was just a rookie. This is why depth is so important. So, if there is an injury to any of Green Bay's top cornerbacks, who will step in? The answer is Shemar Jean-Charles.

Jean-Charles played in 14 games last season in a reserve role on Joe Barry's defense and on special teams. He totaled just eight tackles. But it is difficult to get any sort of playing time when the top four cornerbacks on the roster are Alexander, Douglas, Stokes and then-Packer Kevin King. Jean-Charles was an All-American while playing at Appalachian State. He led the nation in passes defensed in his final collegiate season in 2020 with 17. He was an All-Sun Belt performer in both 2019 and 2020. The Packers selected him with the 178th overall pick in the fifth round in 2021. 

Again, Jean-Charles hasn't had much playing time as a cornerback in the NFL. He has been more of a special teams contributor. However, it is very clear that the Florida native is ready to take that step. He has strong ball skills, good speed (4.4) and is in an excellent system with Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry and longtime defensive backs coach Jerry Gray. Look for Jean-Charles to play more snaps at the nickel corner as opposed to along the boundary. He will get more and more comfortable, especially as he continues to learn from the likes of Alexander and other veterans.