Oakland Raiders: Biggest Winners And Losers From Training Camp

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CHAPEL HILL, NC – NOVEMBER 07: Breon Borders /

Coming out of Duke, the six-foot, 180 pound cornerback didn’t draw a lot of Draft attention or interest. In fact, there was almost no buzz about Borders, who ultimately wound up going undrafted.

The scouting report on Borders noted his fantastic productivity while a Blue Devil, but overall, wasn’t that high on him

"“Borders chances as an NFL cornerback could be dampened by his inability to carry long speed down the field. He’s a late-round pick or undrafted free agent who is best suited in off-man or zone coverage.”"

Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie though, is a man who loves his UDFA gems was quick to pounce, bringing Borders into camp. And it wasn’t long before Borders began to flash for the coaches. Given the opportunity, Borders has made the most of it.

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With Sean Smith‘s troubles – and the prolonged absence of first-round pick Gareon Conley – Borders has stepped into the slot role and has excelled through camp, making plays all over the place, and even earning some reps with the first team.

He’s displayed instincts and tenacity that has the coaches buzzing about him. And Borders has done such an outstanding job that he’s leapfrogged Antonio Hamilton – a UDFA last year, who managed to get in a little time on the field – on the depth chart. It’s possible that his experience on special teams, as well as his coverage skills, will give him the edge over Hamilton or some of his other challengers.

While it’s not a lock yet, Borders seems to be on track to snag a spot on the 53-man roster. And with so many question marks in the secondary right now, Borders has been a very pleasant surprise.

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