May 28, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Damarious Randall (23) works out during Rookie Orientation Camp and Organized Team Activities at the Don Hutson Center in Green Bay. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
It’s much harder for a late first-rounder than an early first-rounder to make an immediate impact. Not only are they usually considered less talented but they also end up going to better teams. Late first-rounders are often picked as injury insurance or to replace someone headed toward free agency or retirement.
Such was the case for cornerback Damarious Randall, who was selected No. 30 overall by the Green Bay Packers. But the Packers lost Tramon Williams and Davon House in free agency and starter Casey Hayward has been out all offseason with a foot injury. Randall, in the meantime, has worked most of the spring with the No. 1 defense opposite Sam Shields at outside cornerback.
And he has impressed the Packers in doing so, so I suspect Hayward’s injury is going to heal quickly. I know these workouts weren’t in pads but you can usually tell if you have a corner or receiver. Hayward is expected to practice full time when training camp opens and remains the favorite to win that job.
But Hayward’s injury history and impending free agency next year could be a big factor in how this plays out. Randall is a first-round pick too so if it’s close, the battle could wind up going to him. Keep an eye out for this situation because Randall has started his push to make his immediate impact.
Second-round pick Quinten Rollins us pushing too as defensive coordinator Dom Capers told Packersnews.com, “I think they are very good athletes. I think they’ve applied themselves well. We have to play them a lot in the preseason to find out how they stack up when we put them up against another team. They’re both going to be very important to us as we head into the season.”