2017 Raiders Free Agent Preview: DB Micah Hyde
Micah Hyde is a player the Raiders must target. The team first attitude is a part of the new Raider culture from its franchise and role players. Hyde is an athlete that fits the scheme. Coming from Green Bay, GM Reggie McKenzie is familiar with Hyde. Here’s why he’d play well in Oakland.
Versatility: In 2016, Hyde manned both safety positions, outside corner, inside nickel corner, and even dime linebacker. Couple with his versatility, he possesses enough speed, quickness, physicality, and grit to contribute immediately. While he is best suited to play safety, Hyde backs up every position in the secondary for the Raiders, which he did for the Packers.
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Plus, Hyde owns special teams value in coverage and returning. Furthermore, in his first two seasons as the team’s primary returner he scored 3 touchdowns on punt returns. Not to mention, Hyde averaged just over 24 yards on kickoffs. With this in mind, his value as a returner could open up more carries for Jalen Richard.
Blitzing: Looking at Hyde’s stats, the number of hurries he generates from the secondary should interest Raider fans. While Green Bay used him off the corner or slot to rush, his seven hurries and four sacks serve as proof of his ability to affect the passing game.
Familiarity: Although Reggie McKenzie left Green Bay before Hyde’s choice in the 2013 draft, he maintains close ties with the Packers. Packers GM Ted Thompson is a mentor to McKenzie. Since he drafted Hyde, that is all the endorsement McKenzie needs in evaluating him. Of course, everyone knows the Raiders construction closely mirrors how Thompson built the Packers.
Granted, Hyde isn’t the big ticket signing that gets people excited. Yet, he is a depth guy. Remember how bad the secondary backups played after injuries struck? His versatility and toughness makes him an immediate upgrade over back up Nate Allen. Also, he may arrive at a lower signing price. In the final analysis, Micah Hyde could fill many roles for the Raiders.
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