The Las Vegas Raiders will soon add young talent to their roster through the 2024 NFL Draft.
Las Vegas was outside the playoff picture last season and hopes to return to the postseason next year. The Raiders are beginning a new era under Coach Antonio Pierce and new General Manager Tom Telesco.
Pierce and Telesco are looking for players who will fit the culture Pierce began to establish when he took over midway through last season. That culture is built on competitiveness and toughness.
One player who could fit the culture and join the Silver and Black is Penn State cornerback Daequan Hardy. One of the smallest corners in the draft class, Hardy also offers special teams contribution.
Hardy finished his Nittany Lions career with 60 total tackles, seven and a half tackles for loss, a forced fumble, 19 passes defended, and five interceptions. He was part of a talented Penn State secondary in former Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz’s unit, alongside NFL hopefuls, cornerbacks Kalen King and Johnny Dixon.
Because of his small frame, Hardy projects as a slot cornerback at the next level. However, his frame did not limit him in college. He competed on every snap in the run and the passing game. Hardy also had 20 kick and punt returns for 295 yards and two touchdowns.
Hardy stands at just 5-foot-9 and weighs 176 pounds. Despite this, he has good speed and instincts and is a fluid mover. Hardy plays bigger than his size and likes to hit. He is technically refined, showing off good footwork and a high IQ in coverage.
According to Pro Football Focus, Hardy was targeted 48 times and allowed just 26 receptions for 318 yards – 117 of which came in the Peach Bowl against Ole Miss – and just two touchdowns. He mixes high IQ and competitiveness to bother receivers.
Despite his competitiveness, Hardy’s size is likely going to cause him problems at the next level. He will not be able to hold his own against the league’s bigger receivers and is likely bound to be strictly a slot cornerback in the NFL.
If the Raiders are looking for a slot cornerback who will compete on every snap and also offers special teams contribution, Hardy could be their guy late in the draft.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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