(03-13-2018, 06:49 PM)jaguarmvp Wrote: is Hayden any good?

Based on how D.J. Hayden performed for the Lions in his 1 season with the team,  I would view him as solid depth.  

Though Hayden has the versatility to play outside CB and in the slot,  he was used outside MUCH more often than inside in the 2017 season.   Probably at least 95 % of his snaps were on the outside.

D.J. Hayden was in essence the Lions # 2b CB.   Pro Bowler Darius Slay was the crystal clear # 1 CB.  Nevin Lawson,  who the Lions re-signed today to a 2 year contract (  he was an UFA ),  was the # 2a. CB.   Lawson played around 2/3 of the snaps when he was relatively healthy.  Hayden played around 1/3 of the snaps.   Then Lions D-Coordinator gave some snaps to backups for the purpose of preparing them to play in case of an injury.   Hayden received more snaps in the base Defense than most backups did in Austin's 4 years as Defensive Coordinator because the difference between Hayden and Lawson in terms of caliber of play wasn't substantial. 

Overall,  on a scale of 1 to 10,  with 10 being the highest grade and 1 being the lowest,  Hayden's play was in the middle of the spectrum ( 5 ).  He seemed better in coverage than in run support and as a tackler.  But not by a wide margin. 

Because Aaron Colvin appears to be leaving the Jaguars,  it's realistically possible that the Jaguars team brass pictures him as someone who could compete for the top Nickel/ Slot CB role,  as well as competing to be the team's # 3 outside CB.   Good team player and character.

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