Raiders' Hezekiah Masses: Competing with Porter for starting job
Rotowire
Head coach Klint Kubiak told reporters Friday that he views both Masses and Darien Porter as viable starters at outside cornerback opposite Eric Stokes, Sam Warren of The Athletic reports.
Masses stepped into a larger role defensively in Week 2 against the Dolphins, as Porter sat out of that game due to a foot injury. Masses answered the call by picking off Malik Willis twice, and the former added another interception during the Raiders' Week 3 win over the Saints. Masses played every single defensive snap against New Orleans while Porter was limited to work on special teams, but the duo could share the field more defensively moving forward. The Raiders face the Chiefs on Sunday in a battle of 3-0 teams.
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Raiders' Hezekiah Masses: Secures another interception
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Masses recorded six total tackles (four solo) and an interception during Sunday's 35-27 win over the Saints.
Masses was able to get another interception in Week 3, jumping in front of a pass from Tyler Shough intended for wide receiver Bryce Lance in the fourth quarter. Notably, Masses maintained a starting role at cornerback in the return of Darien Porter, playing all 72 of the team's defensive snaps. Masses has now registered 11 total tackles (eight solo) and four passes defensed, including three interceptions, over three contests to open his rookie campaign.
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Raiders' Hezekiah Masses: Two picks in win
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Masses recorded five tackles (four solo) and two interceptions in Sunday's 26-14 win over the Chargers.
Masses picked off Justin Herbert in the first and fourth quarters, helping the Raiders secure an upset over a division rival. The fifth-round rookie put together a stellar performance while playing 73 percent of the defensive snaps in Sunday's contest, likely securing himself the starting cornerback role in Darien Porter's (foot) absence.
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Raiders' Hezekiah Masses: Headed to Las Vegas
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The Raiders selected Masses in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 175th overall.
Masses played three seasons of his four-year college career at FIU before transferring to Cal as a senior, where he racked up 47 tackles (one for loss), 13 pass deflections and five interceptions. He clearly has skills playing the ball, but he has a slender frame at 6-foot-1, 179 pounds and likely needs to bulk up. As a result of the frame, he struggles to get off blocks at times and isn't the most consistent tackler. Moses is likely bound for a depth role in 2026 and will likely be expected to contribute on special teams as a rookie while he adds to his frame.
