Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE

If DeMarcus Van Dyke is going to prove Reggie McKenzie wrong and Al Davis right then his first chance will come in a Steelers uniform. One year after being drafted by Oakland DVD was released, cleared waivers and has no finally found a new home.

The Steelers have brought DVD into the fold and thus a former Raider has now joined a rival of the Raiders.

To make room for Van Dyke the Steelers have placed rookie and Stanford alum David DeCastro on IR.

Now the real problem for DVD is that there don’t seem to be any other takers out there for a frail-framed corner with lighting speed. According to reports Van Dyke cleared waivers today meaning not a single NFL team put in a claim for him. So much for that inevitable second opportunity.

Coming out of college DVD was considered a reach at best as a third round pick. He was benched at one point during his senior season and never played anywhere near an elite level at Miami. Making matters worse Van Dyke didn’t offer much more than speed to an NFL roster. He’s not a sure tackler so being an effective special teams gunner was out of the question. He doesn’t have any astounding ball skills so being a kick returner was never an option either.

In short Van Dyke is learning what it’s like to be a speedy corner in a football world where there is no Al Davis. No doubt Davis would have kept DVD on scholarship, happy to give his pet project time develop on the company’s dime.

The cold reality for Van Dyke is that Reggie McKenzie is no Al Davis when it comes to pet projects. Either you can contribute now or you can find work elsewhere. Unfortunately for DVD it matters not if Davis were still around. Not even he could help convince another team to take a flier on Van Dyke. Perhaps some team out there will but for now Van Dyke is officially out of the NFL.

Eric Hartline-US PRESSWIRE

According to reports the Oakland Raiders have signed veteran corner Joselio Hanson who was just cut loose by the Eagles after six years of service in Philadelphia. Of course in order for one man to get a job another has to lose one. PFT reports that the Raiders are prepared to part ways with DeMarcus Van Dyke.

That would be the same Van Dyke that was drafted just one year ago. It will also mark a complete removal of every cornerback Reggie McKenzie inherited upon taking the job as Oakland’s GM.

Hanson, an L.A. native, entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Texas Tech. He began his career on the other side of the Bay playing for the 49ers before eventually working his way onto Philly’s roster where he stood out as a slot corner.

Clearly the Raiders are moving forward with veteran corners for the season while looking to rebuild the secondary in the future. That McKenzie and Dennis Allen gave both DVD and Chekwa all of camp to prove themselves says they were willing to give everyone an equal opportunity. That they parted ways with both after putting them on the 53-man roster says there was always doubt as it related to their abilities. Chekwa somehow ended up on the practice squad after being cut. DVD is likely to get a gig on an active roster as he does have plenty of potential.