Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Del Rio: Hayden can 'peel labels off,' reinvent himself
Share This Post
Comments
Thursday, June 16, 2016 - 2:45pm
Follow @BairCSN

ALAMEDA – Raiders cornerback DJ Hayden couldn’t participate in Thursday’s minicamp practice. Head coach Jack Del Rio, generally loath to provide injury updates, said it was a little tweak and “nothing major.”

Hayden was active in the rest of the Raiders offseason program, from conditioning portions through OTAs and most all of this week’s minicamp. Thursday's ailment was the only setback in what Del Rio termed a productive period for the 2013 first-round pick.

Hayden saw significant time in the slot with the first-unit nickel package, as the Raiders attempt to round out their cornerback corps behind Sean Smith and David Amerson.

[INSIDER: Raiders minicamp observations: New leaders 'stepping forward']

Hayden has had a largely disappointing NFL tenure due to injury his first two years and ineffectiveness last season. Smith said earlier this year Hayden could start fresh in 2016 and turn things around.

The Raiders hope that’s the case, even if a starting outside cornerback spot isn’t readily available.

Del Rio echoed that sentiment unprompted on Thursday and said this offseason was key in his development.

“DJ Hayden had a really good spring. He really did,” Del Rio said. “…I’m excited about his development. I saw a point earlier in the offseason where Sean was being questioned about the other DBs and I think he said, ‘Hey, you have a chance to redefine yourself.’ I really believe that. As a player, it’s never too late. You can redefine yourself, turn the corner and peel labels off that maybe people have for you and create your own. I feel like he’s on his way to doing that this year.”

The Raiders declined the fifth-year team option available to first-round picks – it would’ve locked in an $8 million salary in 2017 – but hope Hayden becomes a productive player in silver and black. Hayden has great quickness agility, but must avoid penalties and show better ball skills to thrive at this level. He’ll have to fend off TJ Carrie and Neiko Thorpe for the nickel back spot so crucial in a pass-happy NFL, and Del Rio thinks he has the skill set to do so.

“He has terrific foot quickness,” Del Rio said. “He’s intelligent. Those things are definitely factors that help you in that slot.”

Hayden has 128 tackles, 20 passes defensed, three interceptions and two forced fumbles in 34 games played over three seasons.

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

What has been biggest difference for Peavy's recent success?
Transgender Jamie Neal finds solace in sports media
Belt relays Giants' mindset to rally back vs Phillies
Bochy: Peavy always does 'whatever he can to win a ballgame'

Giants

Rewind: Giants move to 'impressive' 31-9 in last 40 games
Instant Replay: Belt clears bases to push Giants past Phillies
Giants notes: Romo still working way back; Cain throws bullpen
Report: Giants have 'expressed interest' in Angels INF Escobar
Read More

Athletics

Rewind: A's get lift from 'strong, strong, strong human being'
Instant Replay: Davis' late three-run HR lifts A's past Angels
A's notes: Melvin credits Overton's work ethic to get call
A's lineup: Burns back to leadoff spot against Weaver, Angels
Read More

Sharks

Sharks stand pat on first night of NHL Draft
After being eliminated by Sharks, Blues ship Elliott to Flames
American-born Auston Matthews goes No. 1 overall to Toronto
AP Source: Sabres' Kane investigated for harassing two women
Read More

49ers

Report: Ex-Seahawks QB arrested for pulling gun on wife
49ers sign third round pick Will Redmond to four-year deal
49ers RB Hyde: Kelly's system 'will showcase all my abilities'
Jim Harbaugh in California wearing 49ers gear
Read More

Raiders

Raiders' Aldon Smith to be arraigned for violating probation
Biz Ball: With NHL expanding to Las Vegas, is NFL next?
Raiders looking for ways DeAndre Washington can ‘flash for us’
Raiders' Amerson 'looking forward to locking people down' with Smith
Read More

Warriors

Report: Warriors among first three teams to land Durant meeting
NBA Draft grades: Warriors receive B+ for Jones, McCaw
Kerr on gun control: 'Our government is insane, we are insane'
Kerr laments Game 7 loss, would 'definitely' change some decisions
Read More

NCAA

NBA Draft: Celtics select California guard Jaylen Brown at No. 3
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • G-Mag
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G
  • Insider Alex Pavlovic
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets

Latest News

Rewind: Giants move to 'impressive' 31-9 in last 40 games
(4)
Alex Pavlovic

GIANTS VIDEO

What has been biggest difference for Peavy's recent success?
What has been biggest difference for Peavy's recent success?
See more >

GIANTS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • All A's
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen
  • Insider Joe Stiglich
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

Rewind: A's get lift from 'strong, strong, strong human being'
Joe Stiglich

A's VIDEO

Transgender Jamie Neal finds solace in sports media
Transgender Jamie Neal finds solace in sports media
See more >

A's INSIDER

  • Rewind: A's get lift from 'strong, strong, strong human being'
  • Instant Replay: Davis' late three-run HR lifts A's past Angels
  • A's notes: Melvin credits Overton's work ethic to get call
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Insider Kevin Kurz
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets

Latest News

Sharks stand pat on first night of NHL Draft
Kevin Kurz

SHARKS VIDEO

Highlights: Sharks' dream season ends short in Stanley Cup Final
Highlights: Sharks' dream season ends short in Stanley Cup Final
See more >

SHARKS INSIDER

  • Sharks stand pat on first night of NHL Draft
  • Few picks, but Sharks have cap space headed into draft weekend
  • Doughty wins Norris over Burns; Thornton fifth for Hart, Selke
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Warriors Central
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • Insider Monte Poole
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets
  • Stream the Warriors on Live Extra

Latest News

Report: Warriors among first three teams to land Durant meeting
(11)
CSN Bay Area staff

WARRIORS VIDEO

Warriors draft pick Jones reveals player he forms his game after
Warriors draft pick Jones reveals player he forms his game after
See more >

WARRIORS INSIDER

  • Kerr laments Game 7 loss, would 'definitely' change some decisions
  • Myers evaluates Warriors draft picks: 'They have to improve'
  • Analysis: Can Warriors benefit from OKC trade of Ibaka?
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider James Ham
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets
  • Stream the Kings on Live Extra

Latest News

NBA Draft grades: Kings earn B for making multiple moves
(3)
Rotoworld.com

Kings Video

Divac: 'Very surprised Skal fell; the talent, you couldn't pass'
Divac: 'Very surprised Skal fell; the talent, you couldn't pass'
See more >

KINGS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Matt Maiocco
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Buy 49ers Tickets

Latest News

Report: Ex-Seahawks QB arrested for pulling gun on wife
(3)
CSN Bay Area staff

49ers VIDEO

Kap 'building a new foundation' in 49ers' new regime
Kap 'building a new foundation' in 49ers' new regime
See more >

49ers INSIDER

  • Ex-49ers All-Pro Hanks takes position at Conference USA
  • 49ers lead NFL with $49.5 million in cap space
  • 49ers sign RB Gaskins to two-year deal
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Scott Bair
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Buy Raiders Tickets

Latest News

Raiders' Aldon Smith to be arraigned for violating probation
(33)
CSN Bay Area staff

RAIDERS VIDEO

Bair: Raiders finish mandatory minicamp with plenty of positives
Bair: Raiders finish mandatory minicamp with plenty of positives
See more >

RAIDERS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Messi, Argentina remind United States lesson they must learn
(2)
Ray Ratto

More Stories

Instant Replay: US blasted by Argentina in Copa America semis
(1)
Five things to watch: US on verge of Copa America final
See more >

Quakes Shop

JOE STIGLICH

Rewind: A's get lift from 'strong, strong, strong human being'
See more >

ALEX PAVLOVIC

Rewind: Giants move to 'impressive' 31-9 in last 40 games
(4)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

Ex-49ers All-Pro Hanks takes position at Conference USA
(3)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Raiders looking for ways DeAndre Washington can ‘flash for us’
(3)
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Kerr laments Game 7 loss, would 'definitely' change some decisions
(42)
See more >

JAMES HAM

Divac: Kings' top pick Papagiannis the 'new Marc Gasol'
(3)
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Sharks stand pat on first night of NHL Draft
See more >

RAY RATTO

Might President Obama choose to become minority owner of Kings?

AFF - A'S

Authentic Fan Friday - A's

Come to Authentic Fan Friday at the A's! 

Sit in the Value Deck and score free giveaways - get more info here!

 

FOLLOW US!

Follow us on Twitter @CSNAuthentic.

SAY HEY TUESDAY

s

Join us for Say Hey Tuesday – every Tuesday Giants home game.

NCAA

  • Stanford Football
  • Stanford Basketball
  • Stanford Women's Basketball
  • Cal Football
  • Cal Basketball
  • Cal Women's Basketball
  • SJSU Football
  • SJSU Basketball
  • USF Basketball
  • USF Women's Basketball
  • Saint Mary's Basketball
  • Santa Clara Basketball
  • Fresno State Football

MORE

  • Biz Ball
  • Combat Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

What has been biggest difference for Peavy's recent success?
What has been biggest difference for Peavy's recent success?
See more >

ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING

  • G-Mag
  • All A's
  • Carpool Confessions
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G’s Exclusives
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • SportsTalk Live
  • But Seriously

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • James Ham - Kings
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • Alex Pavlovic - Giants
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California