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Raiders Rookie Still Ranks Among NFL's Best in Key Coverage Statistic Despite Reduced Role
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- Raiders Rookie Still Ranks Among NFL's Best in Key Coverage Statistic Despite Reduced Role
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The Las Vegas Raiders have an intriguing dilemma involving rookie cornerback Hezekiah Masses.
Despite his recent struggles, Masses ranked second among NFL rookie cornerbacks in completion percentage allowed in a Pro Football Focus comparison published last week.
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According to PFF statistics highlighted by Steelers Depot , Masses had allowed completions on just 52.2% of passes thrown his way, trailing only Pittsburgh's Daylen Everette at 47.1%.
Malik Muhammad ranked third at 58.3%, with the comparison including rookies targeted at least 15 times.
In other words, nearly half the passes thrown toward Masses had fallen incomplete, even as his role in Las Vegas' defense was beginning to shrink.
The fifth-round pick burst onto the scene with two interceptions against the Los Angeles Chargers in his first career start.
He added another against New Orleans, giving him three interceptions through his first three games.
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It was the kind of start that suggested the Raiders might have found a late-round steal in their secondary.
However, opposing quarterbacks began finding success against the former California standout.
Masses allowed four receptions for 62 yards and two touchdowns against Kansas City, a performance that raised concerns about his ability to maintain his starting role .
His struggles continued as the Raiders lost to New England, prompting questions about whether Darien Porter should receive more opportunities.
The secondary's problems became increasingly apparent , with Masses surrendering nine receptions for 155 yards and two touchdowns over three games, according to The Athletic.
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Those concerns have translated into reduced playing time.
Masses played just 19 defensive snaps in Sunday's 33-30 loss to Buffalo, while Porter started and played 54.
That's a striking reversal for a rookie who appeared to be securing a prominent defensive role only weeks earlier.
Still, the rookie's overall production offers reasons for optimism.
PFF credits Masses with three interceptions, tied for the most among qualified NFL cornerbacks entering Week 7.
However, his 46.2 coverage grade ranks 90th among 104 qualified players at the position, illustrating the difference between creating turnovers and consistently preventing completions.
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A low completion percentage doesn't necessarily mean a cornerback is shutting down opposing receivers. The yards and touchdowns allowed on completed passes also matter.
That distinction helps explain why the Raiders have adjusted their cornerback rotation despite Masses' early success.
The rookie has demonstrated an ability to make plays on the football, but he must become more consistent in coverage to regain a larger role.
For now, his impressive completion-percentage ranking remains evidence of his potential, even as the Raiders search for greater stability in their secondary.
