Rookie CB Micah Hyde Steals the Show on First Day of Packers Training Camp

Fifth-round CB Micah Hyde made the most of his unexpected opportunities on the first day of Packers training camp.

Green Bay Packers defensive back Micah Hyde. Photo by Brian Carriveau of CheeseheadTV.com.

Unexpected absences from two top cornerbacks spawned the opportunity. Fifth-round rookie Micah Hyde took care of the rest.

Subbing in for Casey Hayward (hamstring) and Davon House (illness) at cornerback, Hyde broke up multiple passes in coverage and otherwise became the unexpected star of Day 1 of Packers training camp Friday. He even got a well-earned shout out from Packers head coach Mike McCarthy during his post-practice press conference.

"If you asked me one player who stood out today, I'd say it was Micah Hyde," McCarthy said. "I thought he got off to a good start."

Such an opportunity may not have been available had it not been for Hayward and House standing on the sidelines. According to McCarthy, Hayward has a hamstring injury that may keep him off the field for 1-2 weeks, while House was dealing with an unspecified illness.

In their absence, Hyde impressed.

The 159th pick in April's draft broke up passes intended for Alex Gillett, Randall Cobb and Andrew Quarless, plus a fourth attempt later in the practice. Rob Demovsky said Hyde was "around the ball a bunch."

While it's only one practice in his first NFL training camp, Hyde appears well on his way to proving he belongs in a crowded depth chart of cornerbacks for Green Bay.

Veteran Tramon Williams leads a deep and talented group that includes Sam Shields (arguably the team's top cornerback to end 2012), Hayward (team-high six interceptions) and House (last training camp's breakout cornerback). Hyde would figure to remain as the No. 5 option at cornerback, but teams can never have enough quality cornerbacks in today's age of pass-heavy offenses.

Above all else, instincts remain the driving force of Hyde's game.

At 6'0" and 197 pounds, Hyde is of ideal length for a cornerback, but he lacks the top-end speed (4.56 40-yard dash at the NFL combine) most teams covet at the position. What Hyde lacks in recovery speed, however, he makes up for with understanding and anticipation.

During his senior season at Iowa, Hyde ranked fourth in the Big 10 and 22nd nationally in pass breakups per game. And while he finished with just seven career interceptions in 51 games, Hyde broke up a total of 36 passes.

He was widely praised for his instincts and zone coverage ability during the pre-draft process, although concerns over his long speed were the likely culprit for his fall down boards.

At least for one practice, it appears Hyde's ability to get his hands on the football has translated to the NFL game. With Hayward out for the foreseeable future and House being eased back, Hyde figures to get ample opportunity to continue impressing his superiors.

Zach Kruse is a 25-year-old sports writer who contributes to Cheesehead TV, Bleacher Report and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He also covers prep sports for the Dunn Co. News. You can reach him on Twitter @zachkruse2 or by email at [email protected].

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Comments (16)

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Mr.bigg's picture

July 26, 2013 at 03:28 pm

If he ran a 4.4 he would be considered fast. One tenth of a second over 40 yards is less than 3 feet. He is quick, long, instinctive - just doesn't have great top end speed. He is going to do very well for himself and the packers.

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Stroh's picture

July 26, 2013 at 08:10 pm

Not particularly quick. His shuttle score was significantly lower than Hayward. His cone drill was good enough tho. I don't have high hopes for him, if he displaces Bush on ST I would consider him meeting or even exceeding expectations. Just not impressed from what I saw of him.

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Drealyn Williams's picture

July 26, 2013 at 03:44 pm

That WR turned CB,Brandon Smith,might be something worth looking into. Another 6 foot-plus CB is good,but he's also 205 pounds. PHYSICAL! Bring back the days when we were press-man all day!

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Stroh's picture

July 26, 2013 at 08:12 pm

I would put Smith on the PS right now, based on little other than his athleticism. See how he progresses from practicing for a year. Talk about high upside!

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hayward4president's picture

July 26, 2013 at 05:18 pm

Exactly what I said needed to happen earlier today. Hyde is a good ball player.

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Idiot Fan's picture

July 26, 2013 at 05:36 pm

I didn't hear Datone Jones's name called once. Must be a bum. Cut him!

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Smarter Fan's picture

July 26, 2013 at 06:39 pm

@Idiot Fan

A.) Kind of tough for D-linemen to make an impact or flash in shorts in shells.

B.) Even considering point A, VanderMause tweeted that D. Jones "tossed aside the blocking sled like a rag doll."

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MarkinMadison's picture

July 27, 2013 at 11:53 pm

That was a joke son.

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Fish . Crane's picture

July 27, 2013 at 01:43 am

If you look at highlights of Hyde, he really is a smart, smart football player. A couple of his interceptions last year were brilliant. Not because of speed, but for being a clever football player and giving total effort. I'll take my chances he'll make up that three feet.

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lebowski's picture

July 27, 2013 at 11:01 am

what is with this team and their freaking HAMSTRINGS??!!

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hayward4president's picture

July 27, 2013 at 11:19 am

Obviously.....nobody stretches haha.

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Stroh's picture

July 27, 2013 at 12:15 pm

Passive stretching your talking about does little to improve flexibility or prevent muscle pulls.

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hayward4president's picture

July 27, 2013 at 06:54 pm

I am aware. I was obviously joking.

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Al Katraz's picture

July 27, 2013 at 11:21 am

Poor conditioning coaching. Again. Hey 9 people PUP on day two is about right for this team.

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Tommy G's picture

July 27, 2013 at 08:13 pm

Every year, on every team there is a rookie that jumps out ahead and looks like the next great thing. The time to get excited will be after we see what he does against other NFL teams.

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Al Katraz's picture

July 28, 2013 at 10:41 am

Its not the top speed that's the issue its the first two steps of separation that would be of concern.
If the guy with faster feet gets ahead, you won't catch him.

Yes if you can anticipate the ball and move on it that's a plus, unless the ball is being thrown to someone who is down the field two yards farther than you and you can't catch them. Opps.

However I like ball hawks too and hope this guy has the stuff. Hey if he plays his best and can make the team more power to him.

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