The battle for starting positions continues even after the conclusion of the preseason with the Packers’ 34-14 victory over Kansas City at Lambeau Field on Thursday.
One of the more interesting battles is at free safety, where first-round draft choice Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and second-year player Micah Hyde have both played well in the preseason.
The edge currently goes to Hyde, who was listed as the starter on the team’s depth chart this week. Still, Clinton-Dix has made his share of plays.
“Really if you watch the tape, (Clinton-Dix) was everywhere, he had a patch breakout and made some tackles,” cornerback Davon House recently told the Leader.
“His professionalism stands out, the way he handles everything, it is really easy to come in as a first round draft pick and feel like you have arrived,” second-year safety Chris Banjo said. “He is well rounded, and he is a great person off the field and on the field and that is what you love to have around.”
Hyde, meanwhile, remains humble about his early career success, which included leading the Packers with 296 yards on 24 punt returns and the team’s only return TD last season. He also finished eighth on the team in tackles, with 54, and added four pass deflections.
“I might not be the fastest guy or strongest guy, but when I get out there I can hold it down,” Hyde said. “If I make mistakes, I got to learn from it to get better.”
“He is really football savvy and I enjoy watching him, he is a real natural football player. Anywhere you put him, he can make something happen,” Banjo said.
Clinton-Dix acknowledged he is still learning the professional game.
“The (quarterbacks) are quite a bit better than the ones in college. They are very smart, they can read defenses a lot,” he said. “They can read coverages a lot and know what you are doing.
“I need to master my technique. The receivers are a lot faster and run great routes and all of them are smart as well.”
He remains confident, however, that the talent he showed at Alabama can translate to success in the NFL.
Clinton-Dix said he understands the team’s decision to have Hyde listed first on the depth chart, but he will remain patient and continue competing.
“When my time is called, it is called. I am just trying to get better every day,” Clinton-Dix said.
Veterans Sam Shields, Tramon Williams, Morgan Burnett and others in the defensive backfield continue to support both players.
“We always try to help each other grow and keep things tight knit,” Banjo said. “While we compete for a job … we are all helping each other be the best we can be.”
Hyde said all of fellow defensive backs are unique contributors to the team.
“They all have their own skill set and all are great football players with great instincts,” he said.
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