Hezekiah Masses, a cornerback from the University of California, stands at 6’0” and weighs 179 pounds, and has taken a unique and impressive path to becoming an NFL prospect. After beginning his college career at Florida International University from 2022 to 2024, he transferred to Cal in 2025 and immediately elevated his play against stronger competition, though this evaluation is based on limited film. During his final season, Masses led the nation with 18 passes defended while also recording five interceptions, showcasing his natural ability to find and disrupt the football. Coming out of Deerfield Beach High School in Florida as a two-star recruit who was largely overlooked, he quickly proved doubters wrong by earning early playing time and eventually becoming a full-time starter. He appeared in 48 games throughout his college career and brings added value with a strong special teams background, including experience in kick coverage, punt return, punt coverage, and field goal block units, which gives him a built-in role early on while he develops as a defensive contributor.
From a mental standpoint, his game is built on instincts, awareness, and anticipation. He consistently reads the quarterback’s eyes and diagnoses plays before they fully develop, allowing him to break on the ball quickly and create pass breakups or turnovers. This is especially evident in zone coverage, where he looks comfortable keeping his vision on the quarterback while feeling routes develop around him. His understanding of spacing and timing allows him to jump passing lanes and contest throws at a high level. He also plays with a competitive edge and consistent effort on every down. However, his aggressive mentality can become a weakness: he tends to panic when out of position and to grab or tug receivers, leading to penalties. At the same time, he shows awareness by using the sideline as an extra defender. Improving his discipline and trusting his technique will be key to maximizing his mental strengths. In the film evaluated, he primarily lined up as an outside corner.
Physically, Masses possesses solid athletic traits that give him a foundation to compete, but there are still clear areas for development. He has good straight-line speed, highlighted by his 4.46 forty-yard dash, which allows him to carry vertical routes and stay in phase with receivers downfield. His length is another positive, giving him an advantage at the catch point where he can disrupt passes and challenge receivers effectively. He also shows fluid hips and a smooth backpedal, helping him transition and drive on the football in coverage. Despite these positives, his lean frame at 179 pounds raises concerns about his ability to consistently match up with bigger, more physical receivers in the NFL. His play strength is limited, and this shows up most in run defense and tackling situations, where he takes poor angles, struggles in space, and lacks consistent physicality. This will be a major area of improvement if he wants to earn a larger role at the next level.
Overall, Masses is a productive and instinctive defensive back whose strengths lie in his awareness, ball skills, and ability to make plays in zone coverage. His track record of development and ability to generate turnovers suggest he has traits worth investing in at the next level. However, concerns about his frame, tackling ability, and tendency to commit penalties limit his current projection. He projects best as a depth or rotational player early in his career, with immediate value on special teams while he continues to develop defensively. In the right system, particularly one that emphasizes zone coverage and allows him to play with vision. Masses has the potential to exceed expectations and grow into a reliable contributor over time if he can improve his physicality and discipline. The Raiders took a chance on him, and it will be interesting to see what he turns into.
Hezekiah Masses is an instinctive corner with strong zone awareness and the ability to create turnovers. Possesses good speed and length but has a lean frame that limits his physicality and tackling ability. Best suited for a defensive scheme where he can rely on his vision and anticipation to make plays on the ball.
Scheme Fit and Team Fit:
I think Hezekiah Masses fits best in a defensive scheme that relies more on zone coverage than man-to-man. In this type of system, he can play off coverage, read the quarterback’s eyes, and use his instincts to break on the ball and make plays. This allows him to maximize his strengths rather than being forced into press situations. He was selected by the Raiders in the 5th round, which could be a solid landing spot depending on how they utilize him within their defensive scheme.
NFL Player Comp: Emmanuel Forbes
My comparison for Hezekiah Masses is Emmanuel Forbes. Both players are quick, instinctive defensive backs with strong ball skills. Forbes ran a faster 40-yard dash time, but Masses has a similar frame at 6’0”, 179 lbs, compared to Forbes at 6’0”, 166 lbs, coming out of college. Both players showed strong production in college and a natural ability to create turnovers. However, there are similar concerns about their run defense and whether they can add enough weight to consistently match up with bigger receivers at the next level. While Forbes had elite production coming out of college, Masses also had an impressive 2025 season at Cal, leading the nation with 18 passes defended and adding 5 interceptions.
Projection: Backup / Role Player
I believe Hezekiah Masses projects as a solid backup or rotational player early in his NFL career. He has shown consistent improvement throughout college and has the tools to contribute, especially in sub-packages or situational roles. However, due to his lighter frame, it is uncertain whether he can handle the physical demands of starting every game. With proper development, he has the potential to grow into a reliable contributor over time.
Grade: 3.89
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