Las Vegas Raiders starter should be a little worried after a Day 3 rookie got first-team reps at Mandatory Minicamp
The Las Vegas Raiders have some really good rookies on their team, and some guys who could play a ton in 2026.
The Las Vegas Raiders drafted a very talented group of rookies this offseason. Among those rookies were four defensive backs. Two of them were considered immediate starters if they were healthy.
But one of the other rookies taken on Day 3 seems to be getting some good attention.
According to Sam Warren of The Athletic, on the first day of Mandatory Minicamp, rookie cornerback Hezekiah Masses, taken in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and Darien Porter, the third-round pick last season and presumed starter for 2026, were rotating reps at corner opposite Eric Stokes.
Stokes is the No. 1 CB on this roster. They gave him a deal to return because he showed he can be the guy. But across from him, that’s where the questions start. We all just assumed Porter would be the starter because he was a third-round pick last year and played okay toward the end of the season. But, maybe that’s not a sure-fire thing. Maybe the Raiders will have a battle at the position. Or, maybe it’s just purely for reps. Either way, Porter should be locked in right now after seeing that.
Raiders have a plan for their rookies
“We have a detailed plan on how we’re going to do this thing, and it all plays itself out over time, but I think the most important thing is that you just stick to your plan, and when you know, you make that decision,” assistant head coach Mike McCoy said of their rookie plan. “It’s not just the quarterbacks. It’s every position on this team. We’ve got a lot of young players here, and there’s only one way for those guys to learn, and that’s to play.”
The Raiders drafted a good group of guys who all have multiple things in common. Most of them are insanely smart on the field and have shown that through their tape. Most of them are versatile guys who can play multiple positions. And, most of them are guys who can come in and compete for major playing time right away. If Masses is one of those guys, that would be huge.