Oakland Raiders: The state of the safety position in 2019

The Oakland Raiders have made some nice moves regarding the safety position this offseason, and the group could have a brand new look in 2019.

The NFL offseason is passing us by like a blink of an eye, and it feels like the Oakland Raiders trade for All-Pro receiver Antonio Brown was already so long ago. Not to mention that the NFL Draft in Nashville has just wrapped up after so many weeks of build up.

Before you know it we’ll have reached the preseason in no time. Until then let’s check in on the current state of the Oakland Raiders, specifically the safety position.

Let’s start off with one of the first additions in free agency in Lamarcus Joyner. There’s no doubt that the Raiders brought in Joyner to be an immediate starter at safety. However, his role is deeper than that. Joyner will be flexing to his ideal position as a slot corner, which he was stripped away from with the Los Angeles Rams last season.

It’s why his numbers as well as efficiency took a significant dive. Lamarcus Joyner brings actual stability to the safety position that hasn’t been seen since Charles Woodson retired. The versatility that Joyner possesses makes him an ultimate chess piece in Paul Guenther’s defense.

In fact, all of the safeties on the Raiders depth chart have strong versatility. Joyner’s flex trait is that he can cover the slot. With Karl Joseph and recently drafted rookie safety Jonathan Abram, their flex trait is as a box safety. It would not shock me to see these three safeties on the field at the same time.

The deception that can be created with these two on the field needs to be utilized. Offenses will never be able to key in on which player is blitzing or what their assignment is. Overall, each and every safety on this team can fly.

Take Karl Joseph for example, he might be flying out of Oakland relatively soon. The selection of Jonathan Abram for the Raiders instantly makes Joseph’s status on the team an uncertain one. I’m willing to bet that he’s as good as gone after the season, meaning I expect the Raiders to decline picking up his fifth year option.

Even Mike Mayock sounded uncertain about Joseph’s status when he was asked at a recent presser. The only way I see Karl Joseph’s option being picked up is so they can ensure other teams will inquire about him and offer something of worth. That extra year on a cheap deal is what I believe to be the difference between a fourth and fifth round pick, if that.

The likelihood of a trade is fairly strong since the Raiders attempted to do so last season.

Both Abrams and Joseph  have similar play styles, but Abrams is viewed as the better upside. Being selected 27th overall means Abrams is expected to start at some point in the season. I’d consider Joseph as good as gone at this point.

The Raiders need more true cover safeties anyways. Erik Harris is serviceable, but gets swung around all over on the defense. He’s a nice gadget in Guenther’s defense, which is strange to say for a defensive player.

As for the rest of the safeties in Jordan Richards, Curtis Riley and Daniel Leavitt. I’d consider them just simple depth or fringe players. With all things considered, the Oakland Raiders have a pretty fair amount of talent at the safety position. The competition that’s going to commence at this position will weed out any who aren’t fit for the defense. A good sign that the defense will show improvement this upcoming season.