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Green Bay Packers 2015 season grades: Cornerbacks

By Freddie Boston

Dec 13, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) reacts with safety Micah Hyde (33) after intercepting a pass in the first quarter during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) reacts with safety Micah Hyde (33) after intercepting a pass in the first quarter during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) celebrates with cornerback Damarious Randall (23) after Randall intercepted the ball and ran for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) celebrates with cornerback Damarious Randall (23) after Randall intercepted the ball and ran for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Damarious Randall

Damarious Randall’s selection with the Packers’ first round pick last year raised some eyebrows. There was no denying he was a talented prospect, but Randall was listed as a free safety and the Packers passed up cornerbacks like Jalen Collins and safety Landon Collins. Yet as it turned out, Randall’s future was at cornerback and his rookie season was far more impressive than Collins’ in Atlanta.

It wasn’t long before the rookie replaced Casey Hayward as the starter on the outside, allowing Hayward to move back to his best position in the slot. Randall made a number of huge plays opposite Sam Shields, perhaps none bigger than his goal line pass defense to shut the Chargers out the end zone and seal the victory. His near pick-six on Cam Newton turned the tide in Green Bay’s favor, but the offense couldn’t take advantage.

Randall finished the season with a team-high four interceptions, taking one back for a touchdown against Oakland. It was as good of a rookie season as the Packers could have hoped for, and he ended his rookie campaign with a lot to be excited about. It’s going to be fun to see Randall develop.

Grade: B+

Next: Casey Hayward

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