Rookie In-season Profiles: Casey Hayward and Harrison Smith

It only seems fitting that I end this season's Rookie Profiles the same way I began it- with two.  While only one of these defensive backs' teams is still in the playoffs, both had excellent rookie seasons, and should continue their stellar play throughout their careers.

Casey Hayward

Casey Hayward intercepts a pass against the Bears in week 15.

In the 2012 NFL Draft, the first six of the Green Bay Packers' eight draft picks were defensive players.  Casey Hayward, the team's third pick(rnd. 2, pick 30 overall), has made the biggest impression.
At Vanderbilt, Hayward stood out as a dominant secondary player in the defense-oriented SEC, and has brought that mindset with him to the NFL.  He has been appointed by some as the heir to Charles Woodson, who moved to Strong Safety at the beginning of this season.  He is quick and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time.  Statistically, he led all rookies in pass deflections(27) and interceptions(6).  Hayward also had 40 tackles, a respectable number, especially for a first-year corner.  When put one-on-one against a receiver, he wins.  As the Packers move closer to hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy, the defense will have to play at their best.  Casey Hayward will help that.

Harrison Smith
What Adrian Peterson did this season in Minnesota was historic.  While the Vikings playoff run was short-lived, they still had a very positive season, and have many pieces in place to continue in the future.  One of those pieces is Harrison Smith.  After drafting a starter on offense, using the fourth overall pick on Matt Kalil, the Vikings traded up with the Ravens to snag the defensive starter from Notre Dame as the 29th overall pick.  Smith is extremely athletic, and is a top-notch zone safety.  He is very physical, and is a do-everything defensive player, ending the season with monster stats; second on the team in combined tackles with 103, 14 pass deflections, 1 sack, 3 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovered, and 2 defensive touchdowns.  With the Vikings becoming a legitimate threat in the NFC, Harrison Smith I feel will become one of the top three safeties in the NFL.

The Vikings have created a formidable defense, with players like FS Smith(left), LB Chad Greenway(#52), and DE Jared Allen.

The NFL is getting younger.  More and more players are coming out of college and exceeding expectations, wowing both coaches and fans.  These two defenders of the gridiron have the qualities and talents to lead their respective defenses into the new era.