NFL Draft 2013: Oakland Raiders Prepared to Take D.J. Hayden Third Overall
By Josh Hill
I didn’t believe in ghosts until word came down that Al Davis’ was haunting the Oakland Raiders draft room, and possessed everyone there. That’s the only explanation as to why reports have surfaced that the Raiders are willing to take Houston cornerback D.J. Hayden with the third overall pick.
There are reaches and then there’s this stupidity. Unless LaCanfora is getting jerked around, the Oakland Raiders are preparing for the mother of all reaches, one that might even make Al Davis turn over. You’ll remember a few years back the team was blasted for reaching to get wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey at the top of the draft when they could have traded back, compiled picks and still gotten him.
Drafting Hayden third overall would make that pick look like a steal. Hayeden is being projected as a late first, early second round pick and beyond that, the Raiders would be selecting Hayden over the class’s top rated cornerback in Dee Milliner.
The verdict on Milliner is ever changing, as medical reports surfaced that may cause him to slip a little. But when forced to choose between an injured elite and a late first-round prospect, you usually choose the smarter option at third overall.
Chances are that wires got crossed and the Raiders really meant to say they want Hayden but will trade down to get him. Still, this is an awkward smokescreen for everyone involved but it’s a very Radiers-like pick to make if it happens being that it bares very little intelligence or logic.