The Oakland Raiders drafted DJ Hayden to potentially be the future star of the secondary. However, since arriving, Hayden has been hit with the bust label that he simply cannot shake. This season is looking to be no different which is causing the Raiders to make adjustments and additions to the roster. With Taylor Mays potentially signing with the Raiders, is this the last straw for Hayden?
The Raiders spent a lot of money upgrading their defensive front with additions like Curtis Lofton and Malcolm Smith to pair with Khalil Mack, Sio Moore and Justin Tuck. However, their secondary has some questions. Following the departure of Tarell Brown, the Raiders put their faith in Hayden, something not paying off. The 2013 No.12 pick has yet to find any consistency as he has been one of the struggling players in training camp and in the preseason. He has paired that with injuries further hurting his future with the Raiders.
According to the Sacramento Bee, Hayden has failed to cover both Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree during practice and looking even worse during preseason games. At this point, Oakland looks better served to release the cornerback than keep him around. Charles Woodson returns while Nate Allen joins to solidify safety positions. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Taylor Mays is also coming on board following his release from the Detroit Lions.
Keith McGill and Travis Carrie are the other two players occupying the cornerback positions. The Raiders went with youth over experience which may or may not pay off. With the talent at the receiver position in teams in the Raiders' division, Oakland might have to add bodies with roster castoffs in order to make improvements. Hayden is not cutting it.
While their secondary is questionable, the Raiders should be solid as rushing the quarterback and defending the run this year. Mack has made a big leap this upcoming season while paring alongside Smith and Lofton. As the linebacker takes on a bigger leadership role, he is earning praise left and right, but is maintaining his focus on the upcoming season.
"I'm trying to go out there and be the best player I can be," Mack said, via the team website. "My name is Khalil. I want to be the best Khalil. Whatever he says about me, I appreciate it but I still have a long way to go."
