In a bold offseason move, Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst has spotlighted five young players who could shake up the cornerback depth chart ahead of training camp. As the Packers prepare for a pivotal 2025 season, Gutekunst is emphasizing youth, competition, and upside in the defensive backfield.
“Competition brings out the best,” Gutekunst said in a press conference Monday morning. “We’ve got some talented young guys who are hungry and ready to push the veterans. That’s exactly what we want going into camp.”
Among those mentioned, second-year cornerback Carrington Valentine leads the group. After a promising rookie season with flashes of lockdown coverage ability, Valentine is looking to expand his role behind established starters Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes. “Carrington’s physicality and football IQ have grown tremendously,” said Gutekunst. “He’s got every opportunity to make noise.”
Joining him is rookie second-round pick Javon Bullard out of Georgia, who’s already drawing comparisons to some of the league’s top slot corners. Known for his versatility and aggressive play style, Bullard could find himself in a starting nickel role sooner than expected.
Gutekunst also pointed to Kalen King, an undrafted rookie free agent out of Penn State, as a potential sleeper. Despite falling out of the draft, King’s college tape shows instincts and ball skills that could translate well to the pros. “Kalen didn’t hear his name called, but he’s been all business since day one,” said Gutekunst.
The final two names mentioned were 2023 practice squad standout Corey Ballentine and sixth-round rookie Cam Hart from Notre Dame. Both offer length, speed, and special teams upside—traits the Packers prize in developmental defensive backs.
With training camp approaching in late July, the cornerback room is shaping up to be one of the most competitive positions on the roster. Veteran starters may have the edge on paper, but Gutekunst made it clear that nothing is guaranteed.
“Every rep counts,” he emphasized. “If one of these guys outperforms expectations, we’re not going to be afraid to let them earn a bigger role
