Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

D.J. Hayden (Houston) - 2013 NFL Draft Pick #12 by OAK

---

Pre-Draft Analysis for D.J. Hayden (2013 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:
D.J. Hayden
Position: Cornerback
College: University of Houston
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 191 lbs

Strengths:

• Exceptional Athleticism: Hayden showcased impressive speed and agility during his college career, making him a threat in coverage and in return situations.
• Ball Skills: He demonstrated an ability to track the ball effectively and make plays on it, leading to numerous interceptions and pass breakups.
• Competitive Nature: Hayden played with confidence and aggression, often taking on the opposition's best receivers and holding his own.
• Recovery Speed: His quick recovery speed allowed him to bounce back from mistakes and maintain tight coverage.

Weaknesses:

• Injury History: Hayden suffered a serious injury in college, including a life-threatening incident that raised concerns about his long-term durability.
• Size Limitations: At 5'11", he may struggle against larger, more physical receivers in the NFL.
• Experience: While he was productive, he had limited experience against top-tier talent, raising questions about how he would perform at the next level.

Draft Projection:

Given his impressive physical attributes and playmaking ability, D.J. Hayden was projected to be a first-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, despite concerns regarding his injury history. Teams were intrigued by his potential impact as a starting cornerback in the NFL.

Conclusion:

D.J. Hayden's pre-draft analysis highlighted a dynamic cornerback with the potential to be a game-changer on defense. If he could overcome his injury concerns, he had the talent to thrive at the professional level.