NFC North Round-Up: Ranking the CB Rooms for All 4 Teams

Josh Frey |

Aug 14, 2023

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Oct 16, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans (21) after a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

Training camps across the NFL got started a couple weeks ago, and the start of the 2023 season is officially right around the corner.

However, as camps continue to progress, we will still be working through the remaining position rankings across the NFC North for this upcoming year. Here is a look at the CB rooms for all four teams in the division.

1. Green Bay Packers

CB Rooms — Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) and cornerback Rasul Douglas (29) during the Packers’ 2023 training camp on Monday, July 31, 2023 at Ray Nitschke Field in Green Bay, Wis.

The Packers need Rasul Douglas to return to his 2021 form in order to truly secure themselves at the top of the division this year. Douglas allowed receptions on just 32 of 63 targets during 2021, and he secured five interceptions throughout the year.

However, Jaire Alexander is still a star when he’s healthy. After an injury-riddled 2021 campaign, he came back in 2022 and was once again a Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro. Behind this duo, Green Bay also has a promising player in Eric Stokes, who is set to enter his third season in the NFL.

2. Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions cornerbacks Cameron Sutton (1) and Will Harris (25) practice during minicamp at Detroit Lions Headquarters and Training Facility in Allen Park on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

After having one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL during 2022, the Detroit Lions made a concerted effort to improve in this area. They brought in CBs Cam Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley to hold down the secondary, but as a result, they were forced to trade former third overall pick Jeff Okudah.

Regardless, Detroit looks vastly improved at the CB position, and if they want to compete for an NFC North title this year, they will need this group to lead the way on the defensive side of the ball.

3. Chicago Bears

Aug 12, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Kyler Gordon (6) tackles Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chris Moore (11) in the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

This is where we start to get into the unknowns of the division. Kyler Gordon played rather well during his rookie season of 2022, and Chicago gave him a potential running mate in Tyrique Stevenson during the third round of the 2023 Draft.

Additionally, veteran Jaylon Johnson is coming off his best NFL season, and with his contract set to expire at the end of the year, he will be looking to earn a big pay day next March.

4. Minnesota Vikings

NFL: Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals — Nov 6, 2022; Seattle Seahawks Running wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) runs around Arizona Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy (07) in the first half in Glendale, Arizona, USA; at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings come in at the bottom for one reason: they are a complete mystery at the CB position right now. Minnesota brought in Byron Murphy to be the veteran leader, but they also let go of Cam Dantzler, Patrick Peterson, Duke Shelley, and Chandon Sullivan.

Each of these players made at least five starts during 2022, and now, it will be up to Akayleb Evans, Andrew Booth, Mekhi Blackmon, and Joejuan Williams to fill that void during the 2023 season.

Also Read:
NFC North Round-Up: Ranking the LB Rooms for All 4 Teams

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.