2012 Possible Atlanta Falcons Draft Pick Profile: CB Casey Hayward

 

The Atlanta Falcons are looking for a nickel corner and could very easily move Darrin Walls or even Dominique Franks to a safety spot. Hayward is a good fit for a nickel spot and should remind a lot of people of a certain Falcon currently on the roster.

Casey Hayward

Cornerback

Vanderbilt University

Combine Measurements

Height: 5’11-3/8” Weight: 192 pounds 

Arm Length: 30-1/4" Hand Measurement: 9" 

40 yard dash: 4.57 sec. 20 yard split: 2.68 sec. 10 yard split: 1.62 sec. 

20 yard shuttle: 3.90 sec. 3-cone Drill: 6.76 sec. Bench Reps: 19 reps 

Vertical Jump: 34" Broad Jump: 9’11"

Stats

2008 - 13 Games, 0 Games Started, 8 Tackles, 3 Pass Breakups, 1 Fumbles Forced 

2009 - 12 Games, 12 Games Started, 58 Tackles, 8.5 Tackles for Loss, 2 Interceptions, 7 Pass Breakups 

2010 - 12 Games, 12 Games Started, 70 Tackles, 2.0 Tackles for Loss, 6 Interceptions, 11 Pass Breakups, 1 Fumble forced 

2011 - 13 Games, 13 Games Started, 62 Tackles, 7.5 Tackles for Loss, 7 Interceptions, 10 Pass Breakups, 1 Touchdown

Scouting Report

Strengths

Casey Hayward has some ridiculous ball skills and is a true hawk back there. He breaks on the ball and will make at least 20 plays on the ball every year with enough snaps. If he plays as a starter expect him to be a 5-6 interception player.

Hayward also has a lot of knockaways and relies heavily on his athleticism. He isn’t the biggest corner out there, but his instincts and hands will always put him in ideal position to make a play on the ball.

Weaknesses

He’s not exactly the best player in press man coverage and would be better suited for a zone or an off man scheme. He isn’t exactly the best tackler and could use a lot of work when it comes to shedding blocks.

Overview

Hayward is a great fit for a nickel corner but has the potential to start in the NFL long-term. He needs to work with some speed and strength coaches to get a little bit stronger and quicker. He also needs to get better as a press man corner.

How he would fit into the Falcons' plans

Hayward would be the perfect nickel corner for the Falcons defense and has a lot of qualities that Brent Grimes shows in his game. He is arguably the best nickel corner in the draft though and should provide someone excellent value in the third to fifth round.