DJ Hayden appears unlikely to have fifth year option picked up by Raiders

For the first time in the Raiders' new regime's time, they are faced with the decision as to whether to exercise a former first round pick's fifth year option. They didn't have a first round pick in 2012 or they would have had to make that decision last offseason. The decision must now be made on 2013 first round pick DJ Hayden. And based on his first three seasons, that extension looks unlikely to happen.

The deadline for teams to exercise the fifth year option on their own players is May 2, which is just after the draft. Whether each team is likely to pick up the fifth year option on their 2013 first rounder was broached by Yahoo! Sports' Charles Robinson. He placed the likelihood as 'Low' that Hayden, selected at 12 overall, will be given that fifth year in Oakland.

"Hayden has been a disappointment in three years for the Raiders and was benched a few times down the stretch last season. He was also ripped for not practicing hard by the coaching staff. He isn't expected to be a starter when training camp arrives - a rough reality when you consider the number of good-to-serviceable cornerbacks taken in the 2013 NFL draft."

"In some ways, the decision on Hayden mirrors the tough choice the Dallas Cowboys had to make on Morris Claiborne last year. It's hard to bail on a highly drafted corner. But Hayden hasn't shown anything to justify an $8 million commitment in 2017. Much like Claiborne in Dallas, the franchise can only hope making 2016 his contract year will motivate him."

Robinson lists Hayden among 12 first round picks from that draft who are unlikely to have their fifth year option picked up, plus Colts Bjorn Werner who was released already.

Five players taken ahead of Hayden are also not expected to receive a fifth year including Jaguars tackle Luke Joekel, Browns Barkevious Mingo, Patriots Jonathan Cooper, and Rams Tavon Austin, and Jets Dee Milliner.

Meanwhile, the two players chosen immediately after Hayden -- defensive tackles Sheldon Richardson and Star Lotulelei -- who many thought at the time should have been selected by the Raiders, have had good careers so far and are expected to stick around for the fifth year on their rookie contracts.

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