Rookie Watch: Hailing Hayward

Many of you may not be aware of Casey Hayward, but this young man is excelling for the Packers.

He already has four interceptions, but there is much more to him than just such flash plays. In fact, he probably is having the best rookie season thus far of any cornerback, which isn't so much a knock on Morris Claiborne or Janoris Jenkins as it is praise for Hayward, whose role looks to be growing exponentially.

Now that Charles Woodson is out for an extended stretch with a broken collarbone, more pressure is on Hayward, safety Jerron McMillian -- who has played very well and is listed below as an honorable mention -- and Green Bay's pass-rushers.

To see the rest of Matt Williamson's rankings of the top NFL rookies, you must be an ESPN Insider.

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