Packers training camp preview: Competition at corner in the spotlight

The  Green Bay Packers  open training camp on Wednesday, July 29, marking the unofficial start of the 2026 season for Matt LaFleur's team. After a third straight playoff appearance but another disappointing postseason failure, the Packers are hoping to finally get over the hump in 2026. The process begins in full on July 29.

Packers Wire will go position by position previewing the roster, highlighting battles to watch, the things that actually matter and young players to monitor this summer.

Here is our training camp preview of the defensive backs:

On the roster

CB Keisean Nixon

CB Carrington Valentine

CB Benjamin St-Juste

CB Kamal Hadden

CB Brandon Cisse

CB Domani Jackson

CB Shemar Bartholomew

CB MJ Devonshire Jr.

CB Marlon Jones

S/CB Javon Bullard

S/CB Jaylin Simpson

S Xavier McKinney

S Evan Williams

S Kitan Oladapo

S Johnathan Baldwin II

S Mark Perry

S Murvin Kenion III

Positional breakdown

Arguably no position on the roster looks as settled as safety, even if Zayne Anderson departed in free agency and Javon Bullard is now the preferred slot option. The real question marks at defensive back all revolve around the cornerback position. There are snaps to be won on the perimeter, especially opposite expected starter Keisean Nixon. Carrington Valentine, newcomer Benjamin St-Juste and top draft pick Brandon Cisse will all compete for the job. The Packers will hope competition boost everyone in the room. Expect training camp to provide insight on the pecking order at cornerback, and answer one of the most important questions: Is Cisse capable of contributing right away? -- Zach Kruse

What to watch: What's the next step for Evan Williams?

Two years ago, the emergence of Williams was a pleasant surprise. In 13 appearances (6 starts), he recorded 47 total tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception, three passes defensed, one forced fumble, and was named to the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) 2024 All-Rookie Team. Last season, Williams took a noticeable step forward, starting in 15 of 16 games and increasing his production to 100 total tackles, four tackles for loss, five passes defensed, and a team-high three interceptions. Williams has seen steady improvement through his first two NFL seasons, but what's in store for Year 3? A Pro Bowl? All-Pro? Right now it feels the Packers have a budding star at safety. -- Brandon Carwile

What actually matters: How does Benjamin St-Juste perform?

With the headline addition to the defensive backs room this offseason being top draft pick Brandon Cisse, St-Juste has gone under the radar, especially since he was not able to practice during OTAs and minicamp. In an admittedly limited sample size, he played by far the best football of his NFL career with the Chargers in 2025, encouraging the Packers to take a chance on him. It could take Cisse a while to settle as a young rookie, so St-Juste may represent Green Bay’s best chance for an immediate uptick at the cornerback position to start the season. It will be worth tracking how he performs throughout the summer. -- Mark Oldacres

Young player to watch: CB Brandon Cisse

Can the Packers' second-round pick show up at training camp and win a starting job entering the 2026 season? He has veterans ahead of him on the depth chart, but his athleticism and natural coverage talent provide massive upside. How fast he can pick up the scheme and slow the game down for himself mentally will determine how fast the physical traits show up for Cisse in Green Bay.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers training camp preview: Competition at corner in the spotlight

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