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The Raiders Drafted Four Defensive Backs Who Could Finally Fix Their Secondary
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- The Raiders Drafted Four Defensive Backs Who Could Finally Fix Their Secondary
Any good rebuild has exciting rookies to watch. The Raiders are no different, with a quartet of defensive backs hoping to impress in their first NFL season.
As part of overhauling the Raiders roster, general manager John Spytek loaded up on defensive backs in the NFL draft. A smart plan given how bad the Raiders defense has been in recent years.
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Over the last decade, the Raiders have just 97 interceptions, the second-lowest mark in the NFL. Fortunately the Jets exist to keep the Raiders off the bottom. The Raiders have not had good play in the secondary, year after year.
If Spytek nailed the draft, that will change in the near future.
Treydan Stukes
Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive back Treydan Stukes (2) celebrates with defensive back Ayden Garnes (9) after an interception against Arizona State Sun Devils in the second half during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Raiders used a second-round pick on Stukes, throwing some expectations on the former Arizona Wildcat. But so far, Stukes hasn't generated much buzz in training camp.
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He is not expected to start, as the Raiders are moving him from safety to slot corner. He is projected to back up Taron Johnson in the slot. But Johnson is practicing at slot corner and safety, as the Raiders look for versatility.
If Johnson succeeds as a safety, there would be playing time available as the slot corner, where Stukes could see the field.
Jermod McCoy
Nov 30, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) intercepts the pass thrown to Vanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Junior Sherrill (0) during the first half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Jermod McCoy represents the high upside successful rebuilds need to hit. Despite being projected as a first-round talent, McCoy fell to the fourth round due to injury concerns.
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McCoy didn't play any football last season after an ACL injury. The Raiders are bringing him along slowly, as head coach Klint Kubiak has been happy just to see McCoy on the field every day.
If McCoy stays healthy and meets his potential, the Raiders will have landed a starting cornerback late in the draft. It is a lot of ifs, but also a lot of optimism.
Hezekiah Masses
Sep 6, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears defensive back Hezekiah Masses (5) after the game against the Texas Southern Tigers at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The immediate optimism has been stolen by an even later pick. Hezekiah Masses has gotten looks with the first-team defense, including on the first day of camp.
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"He caught my eye," wide receiver Tre Tucker said. "I was watching rookie minicamp. Just looking at the guys. And I was like, 'Who is 35? He's over everyone'."
Masses might be the defensive back to cure the Raiders interception problem. He led college football with 18 passes defended last season, intercepting five and breaking up 13 more.
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Dalton Johnson
Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive back Dalton Johnson (43) celebrates with the Territorial Cup trophy after defeating the Arizona State Sun Devils in the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Johnson was also selected in the fifth round of the draft. But unlike Masses, he has yet to create any buzz in training camp.
Johnson was a teammate of Stukes at Arizona last season; both players tied for the team lead with four interceptions. A badly needed attribute across a Raiders defense that has struggled to pick off quarterbacks for years.
Even if Johnson doesn't make an impact as a starter, the Raiders need depth. One of the underlying issues throughout the franchise's years of struggle has been poor depth. Having a competent backup will make a difference.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
