LA Chargers Week 11 Overreactions: Is Casey Hayward washed?

Overreaction #2: The LA Chargers need to use an early pick on a cornerback to replace Casey Hayward

Early in the 2020 season, Casey Hayward looked prepared to have another elite season.

At this point, elite is far more than we can even hope for from Hayward. If the Chargers can get an NFL-average game from Hayward, they may be sufficed at this point.

While Breshad Perriman and Denzel Mims are fairly talented receivers, neither really rises to the level of a number one receiver at this point in their careers. Yet, both were able to burn Casey Hayward at different points during this game. This also happens to be with Joe Flacco throwing the ball tho them.

While it is fair to contemplate how much Hayward has fallen off, it is clear that he is not an elite or even great corner at this point. Most days, average is what Chargers fans are hoping for.

Given this, is it necessary that the Chargers spend an early pick on a cornerback?

In my opinion – absolutely.

While the Chargers do still have another good cornerback on the roster in Chris Harris Jr., both are aging and are past their primes.

Michael Davis has the ceiling of a decent second option at corner. While he has elite physical skills, he has demonstrated through his course of development that he can never be an elite top corner.

Furthermore, the play of recently drafted top corners has demonstrated that they need time to develop in most cases. While Jeff Okudah and C.J. Henderson have played decently this year, neither has played anywhere near the caliber of an NFL team’s top cornerback.

The 2021 Draft is the perfect time to select a corner and let him develop a year as the third cornerback on the roster. With a clear need due to the decline of Hayward, 2021 is the time to seek a replacement early in the draft.

Verdict #2: Not an overreaction