Packers’ Micah Hyde Earned His Stripes

Candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year Micah Hyde turned a lot of heads in Green Bay last year.  The rookie cornerback was one of the few bright spots on the teams’ 25^th ranked defense.  Hyde’s rookie campaign recorded 55 total tackles, a sack, and forced fumble.  He didn’t pick off any yet but came close multiple times.  His ability to run step for step with the best and fight through receivers hands makes Hyde a great find for a fifth round pick out of Iowa.

The NFC North is loaded with elite receivers.  Proving he can be counted on for 16 games, Hyde filled in for injured teammates here and there.  He guarded Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall, Greg Jennings, and earned his stripes.

Micah Hyde cruises past Vikings for a 93 yard punt return touchdown.

Coach Mike McCarthy has plans for Micah Hyde based on his young speed and veteran awareness covering receivers, tight ends, and backs all year.  Hyde proved he can carry the rock all the way even in special teams.

He took a punt 93 yards to the house against the Vikings in primetime for his first pro touchdown.

McCarthy has confirmed he wants to keep Hyde on the field every down possibly moving him to safety on occasion.  Standing 6’0, 197 lbs, he might be undersized but Hyde is tough enough and would be an upgrade at the safety position which didn’t intercept a ball last year anyway.

“We’re going to give Micah the opportunity to play on all three downs-whether that’s corner, nickel, dime, safety,” Coach McCarthy said.  “That’s the versatility I think he brings to our football team.”

The last time the Pack tried moving a corner to safety was 2012 with Charles Woodson, the former MVP.  Those are some pretty big shoes to fill.  That’s a testament to the Packers’ trust in the 23 year old Hyde.

There’s a strong possibility the Pack will draft a safety in May for extra depth.  But Hyde’s impact as a flexible db addresses the safety concern for now.  With Casey Hayward returning from injury alongside starting corners Sam Shields and Tramon Williams, Hyde will carry a big responsibility to have all their backs.