RealGM

There wasn’t much Hyde couldn’t do as a high school player in northwest Ohio. He was first-team all-state as a quarterback as a senior, a three-time team captain who intercepted eight passes at safety and accounted for 111 touchdowns passing and rushing during his career. He also handled kicking duties, connecting on over 100 extra points. Despite these accomplishments, and the fact his older brother Marcus was a safety at Michigan State, Hyde wasn’t highly rated by recruiting services and was a fall-back option for most Big Ten programs. Iowa’s scholarship offer earned his loyalty -– and his play has justified their investment.

After making four tackles while playing in every game of his true freshman season, Hyde became a playmaker as a full-time starting cornerback in 2010. League media gave him honorable mention notice due to his 82 tackles, four interceptions, seven pass breakups. He also scored twice that season, returning a pitch 66 yards for a touchdown after safety Tyler Sash intercepted a Michigan State pass, and providing the winning points in the team’s 27-24 Insight Bowl victory over Missouri by bringing back an interception 72 yards. Hyde worked at safety during spring 2011 practices, and started the first two games there in the fall before moving back to cornerback for the final 11 games. His three interceptions and eight pass break-ups helped him earn second-team All-Big Ten honors from league media (honorable mention by coaches). Hyde had a fantastic senior season as he finished with 78 tackles, 14 pass breakups, one interception, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. He was named first-team All-Big Ten.

After making four tackles while playing in every game of his true freshman season, Hyde became a playmaker as a full-time starting cornerback in 2010. League media gave him honorable mention notice due to his 82 tackles, four interceptions, seven pass break-ups. He also scored twice that season, returning a pitch 66 yards for a touchdown after safety Tyler Sash intercepted a Michigan State pass, and providing the winning points in the team’s 27-24 Insight Bowl victory over Missouri by bringing back an interception 72 yards. Hyde worked at safety during spring 2011 practices, and started the first two games there in the fall before moving back to cornerback for the final 11 games. His three interceptions and eight pass breakups helped him earn second-team All-Big Ten honors from league media (honorable mention by coaches).

ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS Effective zone defender with the closing speed and length to knock away passes or make the interception. Height, vertical, and strong hands allow him to snatch jump balls away and knock away throws between levels of the defense. Uses his length to keep receivers off his body in the run game and prevent ballcarriers from stiff arming him in space, also uses his hands and upper-body strength to rip off blocks. Aggressive run defender. Comes downhill in a hurry to chop down running backs. Wraps up receivers after the catch. Special teams contributor.

WEAKNESSES Teams might be split on his best NFL position. Average recovery speed at cornerback, must prove himself in man coverage as he will fail to stay with receivers downfield. Loses track of receivers in space, gets caught looking into the backfield or stops running while looking for the ball down the sideline. Looks tight in the hips, will struggle to consistently turn and run. Ducks his head at times trying to make open-field tackles and is not a physically imposing free safety.

NFL COMPARISON Sherrod Martin

BOTTOM LINE Hyde is a bit of a 'tweener, but most teams will likely see him as a zone corner. Hyde has great size and instincts. He's a very good run defender, and plays physical. There will be questions about his hips and long speed that he will need to answer.

Wilford Brimley wrote:Sounds like Bush. Can do a it of everything, solid depth.