Lombardi Ave
FanSided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 7
Next
Nov 1, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) pulls in a reception past Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward (29) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Packer 29-10. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) pulls in a reception past Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward (29) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Packer 29-10. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Casey Hayward

Casey Hayward was asked to make a jump in 2015 after House and Williams departed. Hayward started the season as the starter opposite Shields, but was soon replaced as the regular outside option by rookie Randall. This allowed Hayward to operate in the slot, something he’s one of the best in the league at doing.

Hayward was effectively a starter after the switch due to the amount of nickel packages the Packers run — he started 11 games all season. Doing so, he ranked as Pro Football Focus’ 16th best cornerback, tied with the Giants’ Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Haywards’ grade (82.7) was only slightly behind the Panthers’ Josh Norman (84.1) and the Falcons’ Desmond Trufant (83.7).

He failed to make an interception in 2015, but was a solid player all season long. Missed tackles were an issue, however.

Hayward’s status is up in the air as he is set to hit free agency. Bringing him back would ensure the Packers’ secondary remains largely intact heading into 2016. Depth at cornerback is crucial for teams to compete for Super Bowls, and losing Hayward would require Green Bay to find a replacement at some point during the offseason.

Grade: C+

Next: Quinten Rollins

Home/Green Bay Packers News