Jaguars CB D.J. Hayden flourishing in his second season in Jacksonville
When Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback D.J. Hayden was signed in the 2018 offseason to replace nickel corner Aaron Colvin, there was a sense of skepticism. Colvin was a multi-year starter in defensive coordinator Todd Wash's scheme and Jacksonville's secondary was coming off of an elite 2017 season.
But Hayden played at a high enough level in 2018 while in Colvin's place in the slot, allowing only one touchdown in coverage per Pro Football Reference, to give optimism for what he may do in 2019. And through for games this season, he hasn't disappointed.
"He’s been rock solid. He really has. It’s difficult playing the nickel position," Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone said this week.
"A lot of times that player gets a lot of work. They put him in there, he’s off the football so they’re tough to press. They’re usually quick, fast guys. The nickel position has changed over the years. You’re seeing much more vertical routes out of it and D.J’s been rock solid for us."
One of Hayden's best attributes with the Jaguars has been his blitzing ability out of the slot. Against the Denver Broncos in week 4, Hayden recorded one of the defense's only three QB hits thanks to his timing and quickness. This ability has been something Jacksonville defensive coordinator Todd Wash has been especially fond of as a play caller.
"He can play inside. He can play outside. He’s a really good guy that can come off of the edge and blitz, so he’s got a unique skillset to play nickel," Wash said Thursday. "We play him outside some, but we know that he’s a very good nickel and the things that we do within our system that fits really, really well.
For Hayden, blitzing and being used in multiple roles in a defense is not something he did before coming to Jacksonville and entrenching himself in Wash's scheme. A quarter of the way into his second season in the defense, Hayden enjoys the role he plays.
"I blitzed more when I got here (in Jacksonville), Hayden told JaguarMaven on Thursday. "I get to blitz, I get to cover. I get to do it all. I am just out here trying to make plays for this team."
When it comes to Hayden's recent performances, one play comes to mind for Marrone. It was a pivotal 3rd and 7 in the final minute of the 3rd quarter and Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco attempted a short pass across the middle. Hayden had tight coverage on the receiver right off of the line of scrimmage and was able to disrupt the pass and get the defense off of the field.
"I thought the play he made, the third down play, yesterday in the second half was really outstanding. I mean, that was an outstanding play, and he’s made plays like that before," Marrone said.
For the Jaguars defense to be successful in 2019, they will need Hayden to continue to make plays all over the field like he in Denver. If recent results indicate anything, that just may be a good bet.
