Before the 2026 NFL draft, one goal was clear for Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek: This roster needed young defensive playmakers who could take the ball away. Las Vegas totaled only eight interceptions in 2025.
That need explains the picks of safeties Treydan Stukes and Dalton Johnson. But the more intriguing selection was cornerback Hezekiah Masses, who joined the roster after the Raiders had already added cornerback Jermod McCoy.
McCoy is widely viewed as one of the most talented players in this draft class, but a knee injury could limit his availability this season. That opening gives Masses a chance to step in.
“I’m coming in to change the program around,” Masses said.
Hezekiah Masses adds needed competition to the cornerback room…
Eric Stokes revived his career in Las Vegas and is now taking on a leadership role. He will be the starting cornerback on one side of the field. On the other side, Masses, McCoy, and Darien Porter will battle for the job. Pressure makes diamonds, and pressure is exactly what Porter needs in 2026.
That competition has already begun between the young cornerbacks during OTAs.
Porter stepped into the starting cornerback role last season as a rookie, but compared to the other players in this position room, No. 26 has the least experience on defense. It’s imperative that a quality starter lines up opposite Stokes this season.
For the most part, Porter and Masses are completely different players. Porter is a tall, lanky athlete with the ability to blanket a wide receiver. The former California Golden Bear, in contrast, is an undersized, gritty player with elite ball skills.
Related: Did the Raiders overpay for Kwity Paye this offseason?
Where the Raiders’ fifth-round draft pick can improve…
First, remember that Masses led the entire NCAA in passes defended last season. His mentality to win, no matter the circumstance, can’t be taught.
Although he’s great at defending the pass, his tackling in the run game can improve. Adding weight to the rookie cornerback’s frame could help.
He also needs to improve in press-man coverage. Masses, the No. 175 overall pick in the 2026 draft, has fluid hips that make off-man coverage come easy to him. But the new defense, headed by coordinator Rob Leonard, could require a more versatile cornerback. That’s an area Masses will need to develop throughout the season if he wants to compete for a starting job.
Even if Masses doesn’t start this year, his presence raises the level of competition in the room. He can take the ball away, and Sin City has needed that for a long time.
Does the fifth-round pick have a chance to start this season?
*Top Photo: Cal Athletics