He's also demonstrated the ability to play on the boundary or in the slot, where he started the Packers' regular-season opener against Chicago. A magnet for the end zone, Jackson scored his first NFL touchdown last Sunday on a block punt.

"I'm getting there. After every play, I'm starting to feel a lot more confident," Jackson said. "Trying to get to vet status one day, get as much playing time as I can and learn from it, feel good about playing time I got so far, just build on that."

The Packers may need more big plays from Alexander and Jackson this Sunday in Washington after Head Coach Mike McCarthy said King will be "hard-pressed" to play due to the groin injury he suffered against Minnesota. Veteran Davon House also has been limited at practice this week with a biceps injury.

Both Whitt and Pettine say the rookies still have a long way to go in their development, but the Packers invested their first two draft picks in Alexander and Jackson for this very reason after watching injuries take their toll on the position in recent years.

"What I do like about both of them, they fight," Whitt Jr. said. "Jaire has shown a physicality I did not know he had. He's a tough kid. He sets edges. He plays the screen game really well.

"(Jackson) has the ability to cover tight ends, to take those assignments. He can cover slots and he can push outside, if needed. They're trending in the right direction, but it's so early."

The two cornerbacks have earned a fan across the ball in Pro Bowl receiver Davante Adams, who has been impressed with the rookies' poise and willingness to ask questions this summer.

"I've got a lot of respect for those guys and how they came in and got straight to work," Adams said. "I saw Josh in college and kind of had an idea of how good he is with his ball skills. I feel like he's one of the best on the team on the other side of the ball with catching the ball.