Oakland Raiders: Five cornerbacks to target in free agency

Brian Poole

The most recent newcomer into the free agent pool is, no pun intended, Brian Poole. The Atlanta Falcons will not be tendering their slot cornerback, thus potentially causing a frenzy for him when the market opens. Like with Bryce Callahan, slot corner is a coveted position. Anyone that can play it just sufficiently is worth a lot given the responsibilities. Poole would be an alternate option if the Oakland Raiders don’t manage to get their hands on Callahan.

When it comes to strictly covering a receiver, Poole has some inconsistencies. At least when you look at last season he had some lapses in coverage. Then again, if you take into account that the entire Falcons starting defense melted it makes sense why he struggled last season. By inserting him into the Raiders rotation, he should be able to find himself in coverage again.

Much like the previous slides, Poole would be an upside signing. He’s only 26 years old and demonstrated he can play at a high level. He was a key part of the Falcons defense during their Super Bowl run a few years ago.

When it comes to signing Brian Poole, it’s not the coverage defender the Raiders want to strictly bring him. It’s him as an overall player because he has some versatility in him. He’s not a liability when offenses run the ball and can be a fun player to use in blitzing scenarios for Paul Geunther. According to Pro Football Focus, Brian Poole has recorded 23 total pressures over the last three seasons.

That is third-most among cornerbacks over that period. That way Karl Joseph doesn’t have to be the sole blitzer from the secondary. Geunther can throw in Poole into the mix to throw off defenses. He’s not an elite player, but definitely a solid talent that can aid a defense.