Oakland Raiders: Five cornerbacks to target in free agency

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 03: Bradley Roby #29 of the Denver Broncos forces a fumble during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at the Hard Rock Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 03: Bradley Roby #29 of the Denver Broncos forces a fumble during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at the Hard Rock Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 1: Wide receiver Tyreek Hill #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs is hit by defensive back Bradley Roby #29 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 1: Wide receiver Tyreek Hill #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs is hit by defensive back Bradley Roby #29 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Bradley Roby

Staying on the path of young players, Denver Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby is a player of interest. Roby will be only 27 years old when the 2019 season rolls around, which I’m sure he can’t wait for. This past season wasn’t the best for Roby as he was elevated to starting status when the Broncos traded away veteran corner Aqib Talib to the Los Angeles Rams.

He allowed career highs in passer rating allowed (117.3) and catch rate (65.9 percent) while breaking up six fewer passes (9) than he did a season ago (15), via Pro Football Focus.

Roby was predominately a nickle corner before the trade and was actually very productive at it. In 2017, Pro Football Focus graded him out at 78.3. It’s no wonder why he was abused last season. He was essentially thrown to the fire by being out of his comfort zone.

Not to mention the dysfunction that was going on with the Broncos during the season with former head coach Vance Joseph. It may seem like being elevated into a starting corner is good prestige, but for a nickel corner like Roby it doesn’t optimize his abilities.

That is why he would fit with the Oakland Raiders. He’s not going to be the teams best corner or even the second best. So long as the Raiders keep him in nickel and dime packages, he should be able to find himself again. Remember, Gareon Conley started establishing himself into elite status last season.

Quarterbacks are going to know that targeting him is not ideal. That is why making the depth at corner is one of the priorities.

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