And why shouldn’t he? As a rookie, Casey Hayward led the Green Bay Packers with six interceptions as a part-time player. He was the team’s nickel cornerback and primarily played the slot.
In 2013, Hayward plans to be the full-time starter on the outside.
“I want to start outside,” Hayward told FOXSportsWisconsin.com. “I feel like I can be an outside guy now full-time.”
“It’ll be an open competition, and I’ll be ready for it,” said Hayward, a 2012 second-round pick. “I’ll prove that I can play outside now and not just the slot.”
At the end of 2012, cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt said there will be an open competition for the Packers’ starting cornerback jobs. Hayward looks like he has as good a shot as anyone.
Sam Shields was outstanding last season, but Tramon Williams was uneven for the second season in a row. Williams claims he was still battling the shoulder injury he suffered in 2011. If anyone in the group has something to prove, it’s him.
Also in the mix will be Davon House, who was on his way to nailing down a starting spot in training camp before suffering a shoulder injury that cost him two months.
This will easily be one of the most interesting competitions of training camp at one of the Packers’ deepest positions.
Our money is on Hayward and Shields.