2019 Oakland Raiders Position Preview: Safety

The backups: Erik Harris, Curtis Riley, Jordan Richards, Dallin Leavitt

Erik Harris

Coming off his best season as a pro which earned him a new contract, Erik Harris is the ideal third safety. He can contribute both in the 2-high while also being a perfect size (6’3”, 225 pounds) for someone you want in the box. And if need be, he can come in a start a couple of games for you.

With Joseph and Abrams having similar play styles and Lamarcus Joyner being used more as a nickel corner, Harris should continue to get a nice amount of snaps in 2019. On top of his contributions on special teams.

Curtis Riley

In 2018, Curtis Riley started all 16 games for the New York Giants recording 72 total tackles and four interceptions. It seems like this is a player the Giants would want to hold onto, but despite these numbers, Riley doesn’t come without some flaws.

The biggest being his tackling, last year he missed 23 total tackles and finished dead last in run defense among qualified safeties according to Pro Football Focus. His coverage ability is okay, but not nearly good enough to cover up for his poor tackling. Riley will be fighting for that fourth safety spot, but there’s little reason to think he plays a significant role in 2019.

Jordan Richards

After being a second round pick of the New England Patriots in 2015, Jordan Richards was traded to the Atlanta Falcons before last season. He went on to start in 12 games due to the endless amount of injuries on the Falcons defense but finds himself fighting for a roster spot in Oakland. With zero interceptions in his four years as a player, Richards doesn’t bring much playmaker prowess so he may be looking at a special teams role.

Dallin Leavitt

Dallin Leavitt saw action in the last two games of the season, but showed very little and is another player who will be fighting a roster spot.