Green Bay Packers: Ted Thompson’s top 30 draft picks of all-time

20. Casey Hayward (Freddie’s pick)

It feels strange to refer to Casey Hayward as a former Packer, but that’s exactly what he now is. Even so, the Packers’ second-round pick from 2012 deservedly slots in at No. 20 on this list.

Hayward put together and impressive rookie campaign in Green Bay, which gave the team a great deal of excitement for his career. He started seven games and featured in 16, tallying six interceptions on the year.

Expectations were high in 2013, but Hayward was hampered with a recurring hamstring injury, reducing him to all of three games on the season. The Packers needed him in what was a poor defensive effort all season long. Unfortunately for Hayward, he was never able to reignite his early-career form, perhaps losing a step with his lingering injuries.

What Hayward was in 2014 and 2015 was one of the league’s better slot cornerbacks, and his departure from Green Bay won’t go unnoticed. He has the ability to make key plays and should be entering the prime of his career.

Hayward is one of the rare exceptions of talented players who don’t receive a second contract in Green Bay. Due to the Packers’ depth in the secondary, they had the flexibility to get younger and cheaper.

Next: No. 19 (Ray's pick)