After a demoralizing 42-24 loss to Washington on November 20 last season, the Green Bay Packers were 4-6 and on the outside looking in at the playoff race. With a defense collapsing, it looked as if the rest of the season may be a series of trial and error to find which pieces of the unit were long-term solutions for the organization. It was at this time that this author believed it was time to give rookie undrafted cornerbacks Makinton Dorleant and Josh Hawkins a chance at meaningful snaps.
Hawkins, the former East Carolina Pirate, earned a roster spot after a strong rookie preseason showing in 2016 in which he intercepted a pair of passes.