Hezekiah Masses’ ball skills give chance to create role on Las Vegas Raiders’ roster after 2026 NFL draft

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 27: California Golden Bears defensive back Hezekiah Masses (5) in action during the college football game between California Golden Bears and Boston College Eagles on September 27, 2025, at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, MA. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images As the draft gets into the later rounds, most teams are looking for niche players who can fill a specific role or two on the team .

So when the Las Vegas Raiders took former Cal cornerback Hezekiah Masses in the fifth round and 175th overall in the 2026 NFL draft, general manager John Spytek was likely looking for someone who brings ball skills to the Raiders’ roster. Masses is coming off an impressive season where he recorded five interceptions and 13 pass breakups . According to Pro Football Focus , that helped him allow a 49.

2 completion percentage and notch a 20 percent forced incompletion rate when targeted. Those figures ranked sixth and tied for eighth among qualifying ACC cornerbacks (minimum 114 coverage snaps), respectively, and his 81. 2 PFF coverage grade was seventh-best.

A big reason why the Cal product made so many plays on the ball last year is that he has a high football IQ, which stands out on tape. Hezekiah Masses with great eyes and anticipation to beat the WR to the ball for an INT #RaiderNation pic. twitter.