Oakland Raiders Draft Pick: D.J. Hayden, Houston, Cornerback

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D.J. Hayden

Cornerback from Houston

The first feel good story of the night. Hayden nearly died in practice last year when he tore the inferior vena cava, the large vein that carries blood from the lower half of the body back to the heart. Doctors said 95% of individuals who sustain this tear end up dying. Emergency surgery saved both his life and his playing career. He's a great cover corner, but the Raiders reached a bit here. I'm surprised he went in the top-15.