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Raiders believe CB D.J. Hayden will ‘become a true impact player in 2014’

By Mike Dyce

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Sep 23, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback DJ Hayden (25) after the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 37-21. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback DJ Hayden (25) after the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 37-21. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

The Oakland Raiders were one of the most active teams in free agency adding pieces to bolster their line up on both sides of the ball. They’re hoping that corner DJ Hayden can’t elevate his game in his second season.

From Scott Bair of CSN Bay Area:

"The Raiders believe Hayden can start opposite Tarell Brown in the base defense, though Carlos Rogers is available if Hayden struggles. If that happens, he’ll go back to his 2013 role, working primarily in the nickel package. After an offseason getting bigger, faster and stronger, the Raiders believe Hayden will be more confident, aggressive and become a true impact player in 2014."

The Raiders took Hayden with the 12th overall pick in the 2013 draft, but he was dealing with an abdominal injury during the preseason. The Raiders need to see if he can live up to his potential, and having dealt with that injury leading into his rookie season Hayden wasn’t given a great shot at success in 2013.

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