Oakland Raiders: Holiday Wish List heading into 2019

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on prior to the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on prior to the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 18: Gareon Conley #21 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates an interception in the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 18: Gareon Conley #21 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates an interception in the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

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.