Oakland Raiders: Analyzing the cornerbacks
By Austin Gayle
Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback D.J. Hayden (25) tackles Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 47-14. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
D.J. Hayden
Although the Raiders’ secondary as a whole has done little to impress over the course of the last two seasons, no corner has been more underwhelming than former first-round pick D.J. Hayden.
After being selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft, Hayden was expected to have solid production early in his career. Unfortunately, multiple injuries have limited Hayden’s ability to get on the field, and in his 18 appearances he has often failed to impress.
Now entering his third season in the NFL, Hayden is in the midst of a competition for the starting spot opposite of Carrie with another corner on this list, but he remained a part of the starting lineup for Week 1 of the preseason.
Hayden was rarely tested against Nick Foles and the St. Louis Rams, but he did in part allow a healthy gain on the Rams’ first play of the game to tight end Jared Cook.
It is a make or break year for Hayden, and though he receives a lot of negative reviews for his performance in the NFL thus far, the 2015 season should serve as a clean slate for him to prove that he is capable of producing in this league.
Next: Cornerback Breakdown: Keith McGill