Oakland Raiders 2014 Training Camp Lookahead: Defense
By Brazy
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
CORNERBACK
The Raiders once again will have two new starters on the corners, marking the third year in a row this has happened. They signed veterans Tarrell Brown and Carlos Rodgers, who both started for the 49ers last year. They still have last years first round pick, DJ Hayden, but he can’t seem to stay healthy long enough to get any offseason work done. Reports are he may start training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Taiwan Jones & Chimdi Chekwa are the most recognizable names on the depth chart, which also includes Chance Casey, Neiko Thorpe and 2014 draft picks Keith McGill, TJ Carrie, with undrafted rookie Jason Watson.
I’ve been saying since March that this group of cornerbacks is not good enough to win games in this pass happy era of the NFL. This is last year all over again, where one injury hurts their chances and two injuries ruins the season. Coming out the gate with one injury, if DJ is on the PUP list to start camp, it is no Bueno. I don’t think Reggie did enough to help this position. Maybe he’s expecting a big leap from Taiwan or Chimdi this year or for some rookies to be able to play, but I’m not buying it. Seventh round draft picks don’t do well their first year in the NFL, especially at the CB position. Taiwan and Chimdi are special teamers, not NFL starters on the corner. I was hoping Reggie would bring in another veteran free agent before camp, but that is not going to happen. I know the pass rush can help your secondary, but the depth at this position has to be the worst in the NFL. I don’t want to say the sky is falling, but if there is a glaring weakness on this defense, it’s at cornerback.