Raiders cornerbacks 2026: What if Hezekiah Masses is good as a rookie

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 24: Hezekiah Masses #DB19 of California speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images

One of the most noteworthy developments in the Las Vegas Raiders' recent mandatory minicamp was that fifth-round pick Hezekiah Zeke" Masses worked some with the first-team defense in both days of the camp.

He rotated with 2025 third-round pick, Darien Porter, both days. At his end-of-the-offseason press conference, Raiders' head coach Klint Kubiak noted that Masses, a Cal product, worked well in the offseason and he must continue it when the pads come on in training camp.

Thus, it looks like, Masses, at least, has a chance to become a starter this season. I don't think many people anticipated that when he was drafted.

So, what happens if Masses plays well in training camp and in the preseason and earns a starting job? Well, if he's ready for it and he plays well, it will be a huge boost for the Las Vegas defense.

It would really lengthens this cornerback group. If fourth-round pick, Jermod McCoy, is able to play (which the team anticipates) and Masses is ready for a starting role this cornerback group will be set up well for now and for the future.

In addition to Masses, Porter and McCoy, the Raiders have Eric Stokes, Taron Johnson, Decamerion Richardson, Greedy Vance and Chigozie Anusiem. Richardson, Vance and Anusiem are all likely on the roster bubble at this point.

So, if Masses can find a way to start opposite Stokes and with the addition of slot defenders Johnson and second-round pick, Treydan Stukes and the presence of McCoy, this cornerback group has a chance to be dramatically improved very quickly.