Oakland Raiders youngsters need to step up now

Oct 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) hauls in a pass against Oakland Raiders cornerback D.J. Hayden (25) in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

D.J. Hayden

The Raiders have a ferocious front-7 led by 2014 1st-round pick Khalil Mack with Aldon Smith joining him on the other edge recently. Stacey McGee, a 2013 5th-rounder has been playing well and could be a feather in the cap for the 2013 draft class. You can’t run on that defense with nose tackle Dan Williams as well as inside backers Malcolm Smith and Curtis Lofton.

But tight ends were killing Lofton, the Mike linebacker that’s often assigned to the tight end. But second 2015 5th-round pick Neiron Ball has come along to quell the Raiders’ struggles against tight ends to get the D off the field on third down. And corner Dave Amerson has come in to play well since being pick up off waivers by the Washington Redskins.

The Raiders best corner, 2014 7th-round pick T.J. Carrie has moved to free safety for injured Nate Allen. That leaves 2013 1st-round pick D.J. Hayden as the weak spot that has to step up for at least four weeks. If he can, the Raiders will be in good shape when Allen gets back and Carrie goes back to corner with him and Amerson.

Norton said of Hayden at his press conference, “He’s growing into one of the better cornerbacks in the league.” But Norton is the same guy that called Lofton a “God send” so take that as a grain of salt. Hayden needs to step up needs to step up bad to remove himself from the bust list and make the 2013 draft class look better.

Next: Mario Edwards Jr.