DJ Hayden played only half his rookie season because of injury, then was hampered by another injury this summer.
So, Hayden – who struggled often his first season – was starting to be labeled a bust by some.
But over the second half of this season, Hayden has stayed healthy, gotten more playing time due to injuries to the team’s veteran cornerbacks and is starting to look like a legitimate NFL quarterback.
This season has been a big step forward for the team’s No. 1 pick of the 2013 draft.
After Sunday’s victory over the Bills, Raiders head coach Tony Sparano praised Hayden and rookies TJ Carrie and Keith McGill for their play at cornerback.
“Really impressed with the play of the young guys,” Sparano told reporters. “Obviously when in the nickel situations out there, which is quite a bit in the ballgame yesterday, you had TJ, DJ and Keith McGill out there.”
With veterans Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown both on the sidelines, it’s been up to the youngsters to play well, and they have improved – a good sign going forward.
In fact, the 2013 draft by GM Reggie McKenzie, which looked questionable after last season, now looks much stronger with Hayden, offensive tackle Menelik Watson, outside linebacker Sio Moore, tight end Mychal Rivera and running back Latavius Murray all now key contributors.
Though there are reports that McKenzie may not survive after this season, it’s now obvious that he has infused this roster with very good talent over his past two drafts.
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This season, Hayden has played in nine games (one more than in 2013) and has been in on 40 tackles. He has an interception and seven passes defensed.
Defensive coordinator Jason Tarver recently praised Hayden’s growth and work in the weight room.
“He’s improved, grading out better and better,” Tarver said. “He can still improve in some technique. When he stays in his technique, he’s been very, very, very good. … He’s moving up. His strength has improved. He’s made some good tackles.”
Though there were big doubts about Hayden’s future just a couple of months ago, it now looks much brighter.
