Oakland Raiders: Recapping the 2018 offseason

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Sean Smith
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 17: Sean Smith #21 of the Oakland Raiders intercepts a pass by Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Cornerback changing of the guard

During the 2017 NFL season, the cornerbacks for the Oakland Raiders were downright terrible. In fact, the team did not record a single interception through the first ten games of the season, which just happened to be an NFL record for futility.

Early in the offseason, both David Amerson and Sean Smith were released, with Amerson going to the Chiefs, and Smith going to jail. In addition, T.J. Carrie left for Cleveland, leaving really only Gareon Conley on the roster in terms of guys who have the ability to be starting corners in the NFL.

The organization was quick to fill the hole left at the position group, however, signing Rashaan Melvin from the Indianapolis Colts. In addition, the team brought in guys like Daryl Worley, Shareece Wright and Leon Hall, before drafting Nick Nelson in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

When you compare the two units from one year to the next, you have to be happy with the moves the Raiders made this offseason to bolster the position group. Melvin and Conley should be the starters for Oakland this season, but there is plenty of talent fighting for the nickel corner spot, so the depth is finally there.