Last season, Green Bay Packers rookie Casey Hayward led the team’s defense with six
Casey Hayward
interceptions and twenty-one pass breakups. Those are Charles Woodson type numbers.
Can Hayward do it again? Packers’ coach Mike McCarthy said this week that he is expecting even more from Hayward.
AUDIO: Mike McCarthy is expecting even more from Casey Hayward :10
Of the 21 pass breakups, 14 came in the last eight games.
While some teams dismissed Hayward after a 40-yard dash time of 4.57 seconds, the Packers saw more in him. His ability to read and react makes him much faster than his 40-time.
Mike McCarthy said the NFL has come easy to Hayward.
AUDIO: Mike McCarthy on Hayward’s quick learning curve in the NFL :18
With Sam Shields not practicing during OTA workouts because he’s seeking a long-term contract with the Packers, Hayward has been working with the 1’s on defense, opposite Tramon Williams.
Who know’s how long Shields will sit out while trying for a new deal. But based on Mike McCarthy’s thoughts during his OTA press conference this week, he’s very confident in Hayward’s ability to do the job.