Although this might not be a need this year, the Raiders do need their safety for the future. Fill in Deionte Thompson, a safety who has the sideline to sideline range that isn’t seen in most players. Not only can he play free safety, but lining up over tight ends at the strong safety spot is something he can do as well.
Paul Guenther’s scheme doesn’t utilize a true free safety or a true strong safety.
His scheme requires both safeties to come in and out of the box depending on the formation, and be able to cover tight ends and play deep zone. A safety like Nasir Adderley, who primarily played as a free safety in college, might not make as much sense for the Raiders.
Adderley might fit better in a scheme for someone like Vic Fangio, who utilizes a true free safety. For the Raiders, Deionte Thompson can be a game changer, and at pick No. 35, he makes perfect sense.