News: Packers defensive back Casey Hayward intercepted his fourth pass in five games Sunday against the Lions in Week 11. Hayward added four tackles -- three solo -- in a 24-20 win.
Analysis: Hayward is having a solid rookie season with 36 tackles and four interceptions in 10 games. He seems to be getting better as the season has gone on as well, which bodes well for his future value. Continue to consider him a viable Fantasy IDP option.
News: Packers defensive back Casey Hayward totaled seven tackles (five solo), two pass defenses and one forced fumble Week 9 vs. Arizona.
Analysis: Hayward has really taken his game to the next level since having to replace an injured Sam Shields in the lineup. He has four interceptions and 20 tackles in his last five games. Obviously, teams are testing Hayward because he is a rookie cornerback, but as long as the stats are there, then he remains a viable Fantasy play.
News: Packers defensive back Casey Hayward, who recorded two interceptions last week at Houston, had another Week 7 at St. Louis, giving him four in three games. He also had three tackles, all solo.
Analysis: Hayward, a rookie, hasn't gotten much attention in Fantasy IDP leagues, but that should change with this performance. Interceptions are hard to come by, and four in three weeks shouldn't be dismissed as a fluke. Give him a look if you need help at defensive back.
News: Packers rookie defensive back Casey Hayward was able to record two interceptions against the Texans in Week 6. Hayward intercepted Matt Schaub in the fourth quarter and then T.J. Yates on the following drive. He finished with no tackles and three pass deflections in a 42-24 victory.
Analysis: Hayward came in late for the Packers and made a huge impact to secure their big lead. Schaub and Yates tried to pick on the rookie and he made them pay with two interceptions. Hayward has plenty of upside with three interceptions already in his rookie season. Because he doesn't see much playing time and 14 tackles this season, he is considered a low-end option in deeper formats heading into Week 7 at St. Louis.
News: Packers rookie defensive back Casey Hayward looks to have the inside track on the starting right cornerback position, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette, after Davon House suffered an injured shoulder in the team's first preseason game. Hayward was the team's second-round draft choice out of Vanderbilt, and it looks like he is going to get the first crack at a starting spot when the season begins.
Analysis: Hayward will have his struggles as a rookie, but the Packers have some solid veterans in the defensive backfield who will try to make up for his inexperience. House may be back in time for the regular season, but if not, Hayward could emerge as a low-end Fantasy IDP option, given the fact that teams are going to throw the ball a ton against the Packers and might target him, giving him plenty of opportunities to put up numbers. For now, he is not worth drafting, but he may be worth picking up in deeper formats on the waiver wires if he produces.
News: Packers general manager Ted Thompson used his first six of eight draft picks on defensive players, getting three of them by trading up three different times. The Packers not only will be counting on first-round draft pick Nick Perry (Southern Cal) to be the pass-rushing complement to Clay Matthews at outside linebacker, but they may have to depend on defensive linemen Jerel Worthy (Michigan State) and Mike Daniels (Iowa) early and often as well. The additions of Worthy and Daniels look to be shrewd moves by Thompson according to The Sports Xchange, who undoubtedly was preparing to lose defensive end Anthony Hargrove for a portion of next season. The Packers' other draft picks include Vanderbilt cornerback Casey Hayward, Maine safety Jerron McMillian and N.C. State linebacker Terrell Manning.
Analysis: Worthy and Daniels should help up front as part of the Packers' D-line rotation but not put up a ton of stats. Hayward might struggle to find playing time while McMillian was productive in college and could spend a year or two working on special teams before cracking the defense. Manning has to prove he can stay healthy before getting some serious consideration in Fantasy. Of this group, we'd spend a late-round flier in rookie-only drafts on McMillian but that's it.
