Oakland Raiders: Holiday Wish List heading into 2019
By Brad Weiss
Bolster the secondary
One of the best stories for the 2018 Oakland Raiders has been the play of Gareon Conley, who finally looks like the player the organization was hoping he would be when they took him in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Conley has stepped up to become a true shutdown corner at the NFL level, and may be one of the best young cornerbacks the AFC West has to offer at this point.
Conley struggled to get going at the NFL level, suffering through injuries and inconsistent play. However, he is here now, and the teams the Raiders play just do not throw his way. That has been a bright spot, but the depth behind him is alarming, and they need to make sure they bring in another starter via free agency, or the draft this offseason.
In addition, the safety position is finally getting good play from Karl Joseph, the team’s 2016 first round pick. Erik Harris has stepped up nicely into a starting role, but they need more depth at this position as well, so expect the secondary to look a lot different than it does in 2018 when the team kicks off the 2019 season next September.