Green Bay Packers high on Micah Hyde?
Green Bay Packers cornerback Micah Hyde (left) celebrates his touchdown with head coach Mike McCarthy (right) during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers defensive back Micah Hyde was an interesting player as a rookie, as the Iowa product made a strong impact on special teams and showed the versatility to play as a corner or safety. Hyde could be headed for an increased role on the team in 2013, and it sounds like Packers head coach Mike McCarthy is high on what he can bring to the table in an increased role.
McCarthy said of Hyde, via ESPN NFL Nation’s Rob Demovsky, “I mean Micah’s to me a multiple position player. I’d like to see Micah compete to play all three downs on defense, so if there’s a personnel group that he has to play safety, yeah that’s an option.”
He added that he believes Hyde has “earned the opportunity to compete” for a three-down role on defense, and it’s interesting to hear him receive this kind of lofty praise from McCarthy. Even if he receives an increased role with the Packers on defense, it is still crucial for this team to make a significant upgrade at free safety. Their secondary was a hot mess last season, and they need to do whatever they can to ensure that the safety position is no longer a sieve in coverage. I like Hyde and believe he does deserve to have a bigger role in his second year, but the Packers also have to make sure that they make proper upgrades.