Following their resounding victory over the Chicago Bears in their season opener, the Green Bay Packers were urged this week to strengthen one position on the roster.
Particularly at cornerback, the Packers’ secondary isn’t entirely healthy.
Eric Stokes was placed on the PUP list to begin the season, forcing the Packers to pace him.
He will therefore be sidelined for at least the following three games.
He might miss much longer this season, and there’s no guarantee he’ll be back by their fifth game.
After Week 1, the Bleacher Report staff identified potential free-agent signings for each team.
As an intriguing possibility for the Packers, they mentioned former first-round cornerback William Jackson III.
The Packers could use some depth at cornerback behind Jaire Alexander and Rasul Douglas because Eric Stokes will be out for the first few weeks of the season with a PUP.
Although Jackson’s time in Washington and Pittsburgh over the past two seasons was marred by injuries, he would still bring talent and starting experience to Green Bay’s secondary.
While playing for Cincinnati, the former Bengal did break up 41 passes in 59 games.
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Jackson with the 24th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
He spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington before beginning his career in Cincinnati, where he played through the 2020 season.
Jackson has made 64 starts, five interceptions, and 51 passes defensed in his career.
Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 49 points and six last year.
In 2017, Jackson received a 90.2 overall grade from PFF, which was his best season grade to date.
Jackson is a far cry from the player he was in his early years.
While Stokes is getting ready to return this season, he could provide excellent depth.
If Jaire Alexander or Rasul Douglas needs to leave a game due to injury, Jackson would make a good reliever.