Oakland Raiders Can Make 2013 Draft Look Much Better

Nov 9, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback D.J. Hayden (25) breaks up a pass intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1: D.J. Hayden

Tight end and 6th-round pick Nick Kasa is out for the season with a knee and the Raiders didn’t have a 5th-round pick. Then 4th round pick and quarterback Tyler Wilson didn’t make it and you know what I think of Watson. So now, we’ve come to 2013 1st-round pick and corner D.J. Hayden, who just needs to keep playing.

The man had no offseason his rookie year, missed much of 2013 and didn’t have a training camp this year. But every since he started playing this year, he looks like he’s going to be the guy McKenzie wanted him to be. He has an interception and should have four as quarterbacks are 44 percent when throwing his way while he gave up one touchdown.

I don’t know the stats rules but I’m not counting the play that he was picked near the goal line. Either way, when Hayden was on the PUP list, the Raiders gave up a completion percentage of over 70 percent. That percentage has come down to 66 percent as Hayden has come in and gotten his hands on a few balls.

As the rust comes off, he’ll start catching them and that’s a good look for the 2013 draft in itself.