GREEN BAY, Wis. As a rookie in 2018, Jaire Alexander was thrown into the fire with a steady stream of reps against the Green Bay Packers star receiver, Davante Adams.With Adams having been traded and Alexander looking for a challenge, he brought the fire to rookie receiver Romeo Doubs during individual drills on Monday.If youre getting some shine in practice, I want to see what that shine is about at this point. Thats just the kind of competitor I am, Alexander said after Wednesdays training camp practice.Alexander, an All-Pro in 2020 who mi sed most of last season with a shoulder injury, has had a quiet training camp. Thats what happens when youre barely challenged by four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Without the indomitable Adams, the Packers receiver corps is one of the great unknowns Evan McPherson Jersey entering the 2022 season. Simply put, the Packers dont have anyone like Adams. Not even close. and was productive down the stretch, but he hasnt been since Iowa State. Sammy Watkins and Randall Cobb are past their prime. Christian Watson was selected 34th overall at the cost of two second-round picks sent to the rival Vikings. The Packers clearly believe hes got No. 1-receiver potential, but he hasnt practiced in camp due to knee surgery.With their history together, Lazard presumably will be Rodgers favorite target in a more balanced pa sing attack to start the season. However, that critical second option perhaps even the best option given Watsons absence might wind up being Doubs. Hes made more big plays than anyone else on the practice field, but those wow plays hadnt come against Alexander.So, having let the rookie get comfortable, Alexander wanted to see what the buzz was about. On the first rep of Mondays one-on-ones, Alexander was glued to Doubs. After breaking up Rodgers pa s, he told the rookie Brandon Wilson Jersey all about it. Scroll to ContinueA-Rod was like, Man, dont be getting on my rookie, Alexander said. Im like, Look, A-Rod, I need to give him some tough skin. You need to get some tough skin real quick. Afterward, its all love.On the second rep, Doubs beat Alexander deep Alexander claims it was offensive pa s interference but Doubs couldnt make the catch.For Alexander, this training camp officially marks the transition from young star to veteran star and mentor. In 2018, Adams not only had to get himself ready for the season but help get Alexander ready, too. In 2022, Alexander has to get himself ready for the likes of Vikings star Justin Jackson Carman Jersey Jefferson in Week 1 but also get Doubs and, at some point, Watson ready for what might be key roles. Its funny because throughout the first part of camp, I gave him some time to get his feet wet, get comfortable, . I felt like once he was getting a little too comfortable, thats when I wanted to challenge him. And I gave him like game reps. I gave him the intensity of a game playing against me, somebody like me. And I wanted him to see what it was like.Theres no doubt Alexander understands the reality. Can the Packers win games with Rodgers, Lazard, a good running game and a potentially great defense? Yes. Can they win the Super Bowl with that formula? Perhaps not. Ultimately, to get to where the Packers desperately want to go, theyll need Doubs and Watson to be difference-makers.There will be no better training than facing No. 23, who, according to Sports Info Solutions, is the only cornerback in the NFL to allow a completion rate of le Daxton Hill Jersey s than 50 percent each of the last three seasons. If the rookies can beat Alexander, they can beat any cornerback in the NFL.I wanted him to feel that and the same goes with Christian when he gets back, Alexander said. Im just going to give him that same level of intensity as soon as he gets here because hes going to need that and theyre going to learn from that stuff, and its intense for a moment. And Im going to talk some junk. But afterward, I let them know, Hey, were going to need you. Were going to need you in the long run, so just keep learning. Keep studying film. Keep going against me. Its nothing personal. Its all love of the game. Thats it.
