:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46792426/usa-today-8148911.0.jpg)
Over the next few weeks, we will break down each position on the Green Bay Packers' 2015 roster in detail, discussing each player and making our predictions for the final 53-man roster.
Cornerback proved to be one of the bright spots for Acme Packing Company's 2014 roster preview series. The staff correctly projected six of the corners to make the 53, with Demetri Goodson's seventh roster spot representing the only mistake.
Like last season, projecting which cornerbacks make the Green Bay Packers' 53-man roster this year isn't that difficult. The three established veterans have jobs if they remain healthy, and the team invested its top two draft picks at the position. That leaves only the very back of the depth chart to figure out, assuming that the Packers elect to keep more than five.
And that's precisely what Acme Packing Company believes Green Bay ultimately decides to do at the position, with an undrafted free agent forcing his way onto the team.
Starters: Sam Shields, Casey Hayward
As long as Shields can play, he lays claim to the starting job at right cornerback. Hayward, entering the final year of his rookie contract, needs to play well this season to secure his financial future. Given his experience and playmaking ability, he makes the most sense to start opposite of Shields in the base defense. The biggest concern with this tandem isn't whether they can play their respective roles, but rather if they can both stay on the field. If both go down at the same time, the Packers could be in trouble.
Backups: Micah Hyde, Damarious Randall, Quinten Rollins, LaDarius Gunter
Micah Hyde expects to serve as Green Bay's slot corner, effectively a starting role given how often Green Bay uses nickel and sub-packages. He may shift outside if injuries hit Shields or Hayward. As for the rookies, Damarious Randall played most of his coverage snaps in the slot at Arizona State while Quinten Rollins has more experience along the boundary. Both need to be cross-trained during camp and the preseason in case they need to play for extended periods. The final roster spot goes to LaDarius Gunter, a jumbo-sized defensive back who likely plays mostly on special teams and could eventually develop into a valuable press corner.