Oakland Raiders: D.J. Hayden, Menelik Watson in Tough Spots

Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie took huge risks at the top of the 2013 draft class. What’s at stake for the two players in that group?

All seems well with the Oakland Raiders through the first few offseason phases before training camp.

However, opportunities could soon close for the Raiders’ top two draft picks in 2013. At the moment, it seems cornerback D.J. Hayden and offensive tackle Menelik Watson find themselves on the outside looking in for starting positions.

Related Story: 2016 NFL Season: Predictions for 15 Must-Watch Games

According to San Francisco Chronicle reporter Vic Tafur, offensive tackle Austin Howard practiced with the first team during mandatory minicamp:

According to Silver And Black Pride writer Levi Damien, Hayden split snaps in the slot with defensive back T.J. Carrie. And of course, the fourth-year pro continues to struggle with pass interference, even at practice:

"DJ Hayden and T.J. Carrie split time playing in the slot with the first team and worked outside with the second team. Hayden made a couple good plays on the ball when facing the second team offense, although shortly thereafter he was called for pass interference."

On a positive note, head coach Jack Del Rio expressed satisfaction with Hayden’s offseason after the final minicamp practice, per the team’s official website.

Hayden suffered, what Del Rio called, a “little tweak” during the second minicamp practice. The Raiders head coach expects him to go full throttle during training camp.

Overall, Hayden and Watson have experienced similar issues with staying on the field due to various injuries.

Watson seemingly made a breakthrough during the previous preseason, but an Achilles injury derailed what could’ve been a solid year at right tackle. In his absence, Howard took full advantage. As a result, the coaching staff felt an impressive regular season outweighs a breakout preseason, which makes perfect sense.

Hayden showed incremental improvement in the slot during the previous year, which explains his role during mandatory minicamp. He also plays on the outside with the second team.

Injuries and unfulfilled potential pushed both players’ backs against the wall in contract years.

In March, Del Rio mentioned a training camp battle for the right tackle position, per ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez. Nonetheless, Howard clearly holds the upper hand. Will the coaching staff consider giving Watson reps at left tackle or an interior spot to become the primary utility lineman?

As a backup, his chances at earning a lucrative deal with team shrink to nil.

Despite Carrie’s struggles in the previous season, he still put together a better year than Hayden, who lost significant snaps down the stretch.

Will either 2013 draftee re-sign with the Raiders at the end of the 2016 season?

Barring injuries to players in starting positions, both fourth-year pros will likely contribute in reserve roles and hope to perform adequately with fewer snaps.

In a pass-heavy league, the slot cornerback has become increasingly important along with depth in the secondary. If Hayden flashes during training camp as a slot defender and continues to alternate with Carrie at the position, he could somewhat turn the corner on his troubles in the secondary.

Entering his fourth year, Watson has only played 17 out of 48 possible games. He’s been non-existent mostly due to injury for nearly two-thirds of his career. Unlike Hayden, he’s yet to play out a full season. Without much experience as a football player, let alone any other position on the offensive line, he’ll likely look for work elsewhere in 2017.

More nfl spin zone: Top 20 Players in AFC West

The Raiders need a versatile backup lineman similar to Khalif Barnes, who can comfortably play multiple positions across the offensive line. Unless those variety reps start in training camp, Watson will be stuck fighting for leftover snaps on the right end.

Keep in mind, general manager Reggie McKenzie heavily invested in Howard, who’s in the third year of his five-year, $30 million deal, per Spotrac.com.

The top two 2013 draft picks have much to prove in their fourth seasons. Only one man stands between Watson and a starting spot, but Hayden has a better outlook for the upcoming year.  If both players stay healthy and contribute, it’s a huge boost for roster depth.