Packers Sign All-Big Ten Cornerback

Former Michigan starter Gemon Green spent training camp last year with the New York Giants.

Gemon Green / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

 

GREEN BAY, Wis. – With the NFL Draft just about two weeks away, the Green Bay Packers reached into the 2023 draft class to sign cornerback Gemon Green.

According to a source, Green recently was cleared following shoulder surgery. His workout in Green Bay was his first opportunity since being healthy, and he obviously did well enough to merit a longer look.

Green started 24 games in four seasons at Michigan. In 2022, he started 10 of 13 appearances and broke up four passes. He was an honorable mention on the all-Big Ten team, as he allowed only a 53.3 percent completion rate, according to Pro Football Focus.

His four-year totals include one interception (in 2021) and 13 passes defensed (eight in 2020).

With one year of eligibility remaining, he decided to enter the draft.

“I just wanted to make my shot. I felt like I was ready to leave,” he said at Michigan’s 2023 pro day.

Before the 2023 draft, he measured 6-foot-1 and 183 pounds. He ran his 40 in 4.53 seconds with a 37.5-inch vertical leap.

Green went undrafted and signed with the Giants but failed to make their roster. He spent a day on their practice squad in August but was released.

The Packers’ cornerback room is one giant question mark. Former All-Pro Jaire Alexander is coming off a season derailed by injuries, a suspension and disappointing play. The Packers traded Rasul Douglas at the deadline in hopes of getting more snaps for Eric Stokes. Instead, the former first-round pick couldn’t stay on the field due to hamstring injuries.

That thrust seventh-round pick Carrington Valentine into a huge role, and he responded with typical rookie inconsistency but some strong moments. Corey Ballentine, who hadn’t played a snap of defense in two years, wound up being arguably the team’s most consistent corner. He returned to the Packers with a one-year deal in free agency.

So, there will be an opportunity for Green to snag a role, depending on how the NFL Draft shakes out.

Green’s twin brother, German Green, is a cornerback in this draft class. They were a package deal as three-star recruits coming out DeSoto, Texas.

“I knew at the end of the day they were going to be at the same school," DeSoto football coach Todd Peterman told The Detroit Free Press. “I told a couple colleges they're going to be at the same school. They can tell you whatever they want to tell you, but I'm telling you they're going to be at the same school. I married a twin, I know how it works.”

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