The Raiders have plenty of camp battles to sort through, but the cornerback race might be one of the cleanest tests of who can make the strongest first impression.
A starting job opposite Eric Stokes is there for the taking, and the competition has already taken shape around three names: rookie Hezekiah Masses, rookie Jermod McCoy and last year’s third-round pick Darien Porter. Josh Edwards of CBS Sports highlighted Masses as one of the rookie players around the NFL fighting for a starting role, and the Raiders’ fifth-round pick has a real shot to make his case.
"Las Vegas is looking for a starter opposite Eric Stokes. Among the competition for Masses is fellow rookie Jermod McCoy, the fourth-round pick, working his way back from injury.
Last year's third-round pick, Darien Porter, is also competing for the spot. Masses had five interceptions in his first and only season with the Golden Bears after transferring from Florida International", said Edwards.
Masses’ college production gives him a compelling resume, and his tape points to a player with room to grow. The source material describes him as a corner who can work both off coverage and press man, while also showing sharp instincts in zone. That kind of profile makes him easy to imagine pushing for snaps quickly.
McCoy brings obvious talent, but his path is complicated by injury, and the source notes that he is a year removed from actually playing in a game. That leaves the door open for Masses if he shows up and performs.
Porter, meanwhile, already has some experience with this Raiders regime after being drafted last season. He had moments in the red zone that stood out, but the team also used another draft pick on Masses, and that matters. With Klint Kubiak and his staff bringing in a player they clearly wanted, the battle could come down to which cornerback best matches what they want on the field.
Training camp will decide it from here. The Raiders have a legitimate three-way fight brewing, and the winner could end up shaping the look of their secondary next season.
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