Hezekiah Masses’ field intellect has him rising in training camp

LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 08: California Golden Bears Defensive Back Hezekiah Masses (5) looks on during the college football game between the California Golden Bears and the Louisville Cardinals on November 8, 2025, at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Las Vegas Raiders invested heavily in the secondary during the 2026 NFL draft. They drafted two cornerbacks and 2 safeties to help solidify the backend of the defense heading into this season.

One of the players selected was Hezekiah Masses from the University of California. Masses was a playmaker for the Bears last season with four interceptions on the year. He excels in zone coverage and can make plays consistently, baiting quarterbacks with his understanding of concepts to help him play fast on the field.

Hezekiah Masses with a nice cover 3 rep, keeping his eyes on the quarterback while recognizing the wheel route.

He has great ball skills, with 5 interceptions this past season. pic.twitter.com/XLW1jS7ymo

- Marcus Johnson (@TheMarcJohnNFL) April 5, 2026

Masses started to heat up during OTA sessions, with him slowly eating into steps of presumed starter Darien Porter. Klint Kubiak challenged him to improve during summer break, and it appears the former California Bear answered the call.

On the first two three of training camp, Massess was running with the first team, with one report saying he was the first one on the field during team sessions.

#Raiders just wrapped up practice. It was a strong day for the offense.

- Fernando Mendoza and Kirk Cousins were solid. Mendoza completed a 25-yard pass to Deven Thompkins and then made an impressive throw near the sideline to Brandon Johnson.

- Cousins avoided pressure from...

- Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) July 30, 2026

If Massess can continue to excel during training camp, he could push his way into the starting lineup when the season starts in September. While the fall of Porter could cause another missed draft pick by the Silver and Black, the emergence of another draft pick could help ease the pain of Raiders fans.