The competition is fierce and nothing can be guaranteed, but it might not be wise to bet against Casey Hayward emerging as the Green Bay Packers' long-term answer at right cornerback opposite Tramon Williams.
Sunday afternoon in St. Louis will mark Hayward's first start. Sam Shields is out with a shin injury, and Davon House will be in uniform for the first time in 10 weeks.
Hayward and House, both 23, and the 24-year-old Shields all have the talent to start. It just could take another year or two to determine the ultimate order.
Hayward, the second-round draft choice, will replace Shields at right corner in the base defense and then return to the slot role in sub packages that he has held since Game 2.
Sufficiently healed from a left shoulder injury suffered Aug. 9, House has been chosen to play ahead of Jarrett Bush at right corner on passing downs.
After having played 38.8% of the snaps in the first six games, Hayward couldn't be more deserving of a chance to start.
"He's been playing at a pretty high level," cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt said Friday. "He does not play like a rookie. Thus far, he's been like a mature player."
In fact, Hayward has been little short of sensational in whatever the Packers have asked him to do.
Despite limited playing time, Hayward has intercepted three passes, a total that is two more than any other rookie cornerback in the league. Coordinator Dom Capers shook his head in amazement when he related that Hayward had two more picks Friday in practice.
"Some guys just get their hands on a lot of balls or come up with it," said Capers. "He's one of those guys."
Hayward had 15 interceptions in three seasons as a starter at Vanderbilt, stole a bunch more in training camp and has had three in the last two games.