Hezekiah Masses Pushes for Raiders Boundary Corner Role
Splitting first-team reps at mandatory minicamp positions the fifth-round rookie to compete for the starting outside cornerback job opposite Eric Stokes.
Overview
- At mandatory minicamp Masses split first-team reps with Darien Porter, putting him in early contention to start on the boundary opposite Eric Stokes.
- The Raiders have limited proven depth on the boundary because Pro Football Focus data shows only Eric Stokes and Darien Porter logged meaningful outside-corner snaps last season.
- Masses is a fifth-round pick and 22 years old who broke out at Cal in 2025 with 47 tackles, 13 passes defended and five interceptions and earned national honors.
- Scouts and evaluators praise Masses' ball skills and college durability but flag his thin frame and below-average athletic testing as risks for the NFL transition.
- With Jermod McCoy on a managed return from a torn ACL, Masses' early minicamp reps could turn into real regular-season snaps and force the Raiders to choose between youthful upside and experience.