Five Key Players for the Oakland Raiders to Watch in the 2017 Shrine Game
By Diante Lee
Jamal Carter, Safety, Miami (6’1″, 215 lbs.)
Carter, a fourth-year Senior at The U, led the Hurricanes defense in tackles this season, and his tape shows why.
Carter consistently flashes a willingness and ability to roll into the box and constrict space against the run. With a potential star in Karl Joseph already in tow for Oakland, it’s important to find another safety with range, ball skills and awareness behind him to add versatility to the Raiders’ coverage schemes.
Treston Decoud, Cornerback, Oregon State (6’3″, 208 lbs.)
Decoud’s best asset is his size at 6’3”, which is something Reggie McKenzie, Jack Del Rio and Ken Norton Jr. all covet in cornerbacks.
On film, Decoud shows he has comfort in his back pedal — an important starting point for any tall defensive back. After only logging 2 interceptions this year, he will have to prove himself as a playmaker. He also needs to display himself as a technician by turning his hips quickly and driving to contest routes.
If Oakland is confident in Sean Smith and/or David Amerson, Decoud is worth a late-round pick to compete as CB2.