Top Packs Ranking: Leading Role for Keisean Nixon at No. 12
Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon is gearing up for the 2025 NFL season, with a mixed outlook that leans towards a testing campaign, particularly in terms of coverage.
Nixon is anticipated to be one of the Packers' top three starting corners alongside Nate Hobbs and Carrington Valentine, following the departure of Jaire Alexander. In the 2024 season, Nixon demonstrated increased productivity and versatility, recording a career-high 88 tackles, three sacks, seven pass breakups, one interception, and three forced fumbles. He also excelled as a kickoff returner, amassing 528 yards on 18 returns.
However, his coverage grades have been modest over the past three seasons, with Pro Football Focus (PFF) ratings never exceeding 64 overall or 60 in coverage. His passer rating allowed while in coverage was 99.7 in 2024, indicating a vulnerability that could be exploited by opposing quarterbacks.
The Packers' secondary faces significant pressure this season due to the loss of star corners like Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes. Without an established All-Pro, the expectation to perform at a high level falls more heavily on players like Nixon. Analysts predict that he may struggle to significantly improve as a coverage corner in his seventh NFL season, which raises concerns given the Packers' uncertain pass rush and defensive line that may allow quarterbacks more time in the pocket, putting further strain on the secondary.
The overall team defense showed promise under coordinator Jeff Hafley in 2024, ranking fifth in total defense and sixth in points allowed. However, losses in the secondary and defensive tackle positions could impact 2025 performance.
Despite these concerns, the Packers showed their faith in Nixon by signing him to a three-year, $18 million contract in March 2024.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur expressed uncertainty about Nixon's statement regarding not wanting to return kicks. Nixon led the NFL with 782 yards on kickoff returns in 2023, earning first-team All-Pro honours from The Associated Press at kick returner for the second year in a row.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Packers will rely on Nixon to step up amid a weakened secondary. While he brings experience and some key contributions in tackles and pass defense, his track record suggests he may disappoint in coverage and struggle to become a top-tier cornerback.
Keisean Nixon, with his mixed outlook for the upcoming 2025 NFL season, is expected to start as a cornerback for the Green Bay Packers, a role he shares with Nate Hobbs and potentially Carrington Valentine, following Jaire Alexander's departure. Despite his improved productivity and versatility in the 2024 season, Nixon's coverage grades have been modest, raising concerns about his ability to handle coverage against opposing quarterbacks in the NFL, a concern compounded by the Packers' uncertain pass rush and defensive line.
