5 reasons the Raiders exceed expectation in 2018

OAKLAND - DECEMBER 19: A view of an Oakland Raiders helmet at the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 19, 2004 at Network Associates Colesium in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
OAKLAND - DECEMBER 19: A view of an Oakland Raiders helmet at the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 19, 2004 at Network Associates Colesium in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 24: RashaanMelvin#30 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball after intercepting a pass during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 24, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 24: RashaanMelvin#30 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball after intercepting a pass during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 24, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Improvements at cornerback

If you have been a Raiders fan in recent seasons, then you know just how bad the cornerback position has been for the team. This offseason, the unit got a complete overhaul, as starters T.J. Carrie and Sean Smith are no longer in the Silver and Black.

In the 2017 NFL Draft, the Raiders selected Ohio State cornerback Gareon Conley in the first round, as he was rated as their top cornerback on the board. He struggled through injuries in year one, but now healthy, he has gotten rave reviews from this Raiders coaching staff this offseason.

With Conley starting on one side, the Raiders knew they had to go and get another legitimate starter. The Raiders brought in Rashaan Melvin on a one-year deal, and based on how he played last season, Melvin could prove to be one of the biggest steals of free agency this season.

In addition to Melvin, guys like Daryl Worley, Shareece Wright, and Leon Hall were brought in to bring the unit depth. In addition, the team drafted Wisconsin’s Nick Nelson in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, adding one of the better cover corners that draft class had to offer.