The Oakland Raiders are expected to start DJ Hayden at slot corner after the preseason as the former first-round pick reportedly has a stranglehold on the position.

Former first round pick DJ Hayden has been a constant source of disappointment for fans of the Oakland Raiders as three years of disappointing play has caused the Raider Nation to attach the “bust” label to the cornerback. A label that Hayden has more than deserved as general manager Reggie McKenzie’s first ever first-round pick has yet to live up to the expectations of a top round player.

Entering his fourth and final season of his rookie contract, Hayden is competing for the starting slot cornerback position this August. A position that Hayden reportedly has the inside track on as the Raiders coaching staff appears to be set on giving the former first round pick one more opportunity to run around his career in Oakland.

According to Raiders beat reporter Jerry McDonald, Hayden continues to have a stranglehold on the starting slot corner role after the team’s Preseason Week 2 performance in Green Bay against the Packers. Good news for Hayden, who needs to have a productive season in a contract year for a player who has yet to impress the league with his mediocre play thus far in his NFL career.

From Inside the Oakland Raiders:

Cornerback DJ Hayden got turned around a time or three against slot receiver Seth Roberts Saturday, but he continues to have a stranglehold on the slot corner spot. He played six snaps against Arizona and then 21 against the Packers with the first team nickel defense. Hayden concedes it’s different in the middle of the field as opposed to being on the island outside, where the starters are Sean Smith and David Amerson. “There’s more to it in terms of run-fits, but you can disguise your play more and it gives you a chance to make more plays,” Hayden said. “You have more field to work with.”

After playing 20+ snaps against the Packers it certainly looks like the Raiders are invested in Hayden in the slot, but with a group of young corners hungry for the job it could be a season-long battle for snaps even if Hayden ends up winning the job at the end of the preseason. Right now things are looking for the former first round pick as if Hayden truly has a stranglehold on the starting job he will have his opportunity to end the bust narrative and potentially earn himself a few millions if he can produce a big contract year for the Raiders this season.