Green Bay Packers: Predicting the 53 Man Roster

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor (17) catches a pass against Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward (29). Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Cornerback (6)

Starters – Sam Shields, Casey Hayward, Micah Hyde
Backups – Damarious Randall, Quinten Rollins, LaDarius Gunter
Cut – Demetri Goodson, Tay Glover-Wright, Kyle Sebetic

The Packers can afford to go heavy at cornerback because Hyde also doubles as a safety, and even a guy like Randall can switch over to safety if need be.

The Packers have an exciting, yet inexperienced, group of young corners on their roster. Shields and Hayward have just been okay during the preseason, but we’ll see how they perform when it really matters. They’ll have their hands full in the opener against Chicago’s Alshon Jeffery.

Hyde is solely a nickel back, but Randall and Rollins can also play this position as well. Randall has made some splash plays over the past two games, but he’s also had some major mental lapses. He’ll start the season as the Packers dime back, but I expect him to eventually replace Hyde in nickel. He’s just a better overall athlete and has the quickness to mirror receivers across the field.

Rollins and Gunter have both shown they’re physical boundary corners. However, they both lack top-end speed, which has to be a concern going into the season. They’re going to need to win with technique and playing physical at the line.

Next: Safety