Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio is keeping his faith that cornerback DJ Hayden can turn his career around.

Oakland Raiders cornerback DJ Hayden is considered one of general manager Reggie McKenzie’s few early round draft busts. The oft-injured cornerback ranking amongst the worst in the league throughout his first three seasons in the league, drawing the ire of the Raider Nation on a weekly basis for his inconsistent play along with his durability problems.

With Hayden entering a crucial contract season, head coach Jack Del Rio is still confident that the former first-round pick can be a reclamation project in a revamped Raiders defense. Hayden having the potential to move into a slot role as the third cornerback after the signing of Sean Smith from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Speaking to Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle, Del Rio said that it is never too late for Hayden to redefine himself as a productive player in the NFL. Telling reporters after minicamp that Hayden is exciting the coaching staff with his development so far this offseason, a good sign that Hayden could be finally finding his form.

Del Rio says DJ Hayden is coming on. “It’s never too late.” #Raiders pic.twitter.com/utZkAhdAGZ — Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) June 16, 2016

It is hard to believe any offseason positivity surrounding Hayden after his three years of poor play, but if the oft-criticized cornerback lives up to the billing the Raiders secondary could receive a big boost. In a decreased role there is a chance for Hayden to showcase his athleticism and thrive while covering lesser receivers than when he was at the top of the depth chart at cornerback. Hopefully Hayden can finally rid himself of the bust label and succeed in what will be a crucial contract season for the career of a struggling top draft pick.