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Oakland Raiders: Biggest Roster Successes and Disappointments in 2015

By Maurice Moton

Dec 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) celebrates as the Raiders defeat the San Diego Chargers during overtime at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the San Diego Chargers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) celebrates as the Raiders defeat the San Diego Chargers during overtime at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the San Diego Chargers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback D.J. Hayden (25) looks on from the field during the second quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Oakland won 37-29. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback D.J. Hayden (25) looks on from the field during the second quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Oakland won 37-29. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

D.J. Hayden: Disappointment

Hayden’s health scare prior to entering the NFL draft made him an easy person to root for in the league. We love to see someone overcome unfavorable odds in life and find success going forward.

Unfortunately for Hayden, the stars haven’t aligned for him as a pro. Many analysts and fans gave the third-year cornerback a pass due to health concerns in the first two seasons; he played 18 games out of a possible 32 games in that span.

In 2015, Hayden played all 16 games, but he remained a non-factor for most of the season. As previously mentioned, he lost his starting role to Amerson and fell out of the rotation in Weeks 12-14. Defensive back Neiko Thorpe saw extended time on the field in Hayden’s place.

Defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. made a clear statement (via Raiders.com) on Hayden’s benching, which applies to all defensive players. Preparation and production deserves playing time and a lack thereof keeps a player off the field. Hayden lacked in one or both categorizes, which made him an afterthought late in the season.

The bust label seems unfair, especially when you see players go elsewhere and flourish in new systems. However, it’s likely Hayden’s opportunity window in Oakland has finally closed.

Next: West Alabama Pride

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