The Las Vegas Raiders drafted one heck of a rookie class in the 2026 NFL Draft, and they are all very confident.
The Las Vegas Raiders drafted four secondary players with their ten total picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.Among those players, they had a type-guys who could not only play football, but had the right attitude about it all. They want humble players, but also confident ones. They got that, and they definitely got it in the fifth round pick, Hezekiah Masses, the Cal cornerback.
"There are a couple of young guys, but we’re coming in. They brought me, and I’m coming to change the program," Masses told reporters directly after the draft. "Man, the Raiders — this is crazy. Just the franchise history, the Raiders are just an excellent foundation. So, it’s just surreal. Growing up, I always wanted to be in the NFL, and I’m finally here. So, I’m not taking it lightly, all gas, no brakes.”He may already be writing checks that he can't cash. And, that's not because he will be a bad player, but because of just how much is out of his control. This is a team game, where 10 other players are on the field at once. He can't control how good the offense is. And if this team isn't winning games, then there is no turning the program around. This franchise cares about one thing, and one thing only: winning.The good thing is, Masses could develop into a good football player, and help the Raiders at least hold up their end of the bargain on defense.
Hezekiah Masses needs some development, but he has the makings of a good football player
If there is anyone you are going to rely on when it comes to watching tape and player evaluations, it feels like the industry as a whole leans on Dane Brugler of The Athletic. Here was his scouting report of Masses as he entered the draft:
"A one-year starter at California (and three-and-a-half-year starter overall), Masses was an outside cornerback in former defensive coordinator Terrence Brown's scheme, playing mostly press-bail, trail and off coverages. A low-ranked high school recruit, he built the foundation of his game over his three seasons at FIU. He transferred to Cal for his senior season and took the FBS lead in passes defended in Week 2, then didn't surrender his crown the rest of the season. Masses has the ball production (FBS-best 18 passes defended in 2025) that gets your attention - and the tape that keeps you intrigued. He is aggressive from press, with the feet and reactive movements to mirror and match in man. “He uses his peripherals to feel route combinations and keep tabs on the quarterback, although his impatience to prevent plays also leads to early contact and flags. His questionable strength will be tested early and often against NFL power. Overall, Masses is underpowered and grabby, but his sudden footwork and coverage awareness lead to plays on the football, which in turn gives him starting upside. He has surpassed expectations at every level, and it won't be surprising if that continues."
