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2018 Oakland Raiders Training Camp: Five burning questions on defense

By Brad Weiss

Oakland Raiders. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Oakland Raiders. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 17: Karl Joseph No. 42 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after sacking the quarterback and recovering a fumble against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Raiders won the game 45-20. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 17: Karl Joseph No. 42 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after sacking the quarterback and recovering a fumble against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Raiders won the game 45-20. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

What does the starting safety tandem look like?

The secondary for the Oakland Raiders had a real tough go of it last season, as they were not only bad in coverage, but were even worse at forcing turnovers. The Raiders set the NFL record for futility when it came to interceptions, failing to grab an interception in 11 straight games, which shattered the record of seven.

This offseason, the team brought in some talent at both cornerback, and safety, and are hoping some of their veterans can step up as well. Karl Joseph and Reggie Nelson started all 16 games for the Raiders last season, and while Joseph should be a starter once again in 2018, the other safety spot should be up for grabs.

Oakland brought in Marcus Gilchrist this offseason, adding some more veteran talent to the position group. Gilchrist is going to get every opportunity to start for the Raiders in 2018, after spending last season as a starter for the Houston Texans.

Finally, there is Obi Melifonwu, who was the team’s second round pick in 2017. Melifonwu barely played in his rookie season, as he battled injuries, and when he did start, it was at cornerback. Gilchrist and Nelson will get the first shot at earning the starting job alongside Joseph, but we have a long way to go before this is settled.

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