Secondary: Hold wide receivers to a minimum
Last season the Raiders secondary struggled in the effort of covering opposing wide receivers. They ran out multiple different looks, with a rotation of different personnel, but still couldn’t seem to get any type of production on a consistent basis.
The Raiders defense average 8.2-yards per play given up last season, which ranks tied for dead last. Although, this statistic falls on the shoulder of the Raiders secondary, they really didn’t have any help, since the defensive line couldn’t generate any pass rush on the quarterback.
Gruden and Mayock took notice of their deficiencies in the secondary, by adding Lamarcus Joyner, Curtis Riley, Jonathan Abram, Trayvon Mullen, and Isaiah Johnson as new pieces to the back-end of the defensive unit.
The Raiders have added an abundance of new talent to the cornerback and safety position, but as we approach training camp it still looks as Gareon Conley and Daryl Worley will get the starting nod on the outside come week 1. Although, second-round pick Trayvon Mullen will more than likely get every opportunity in training camp to show why he deserves to be a starter for this Raiders revamped secondary.
The secondary as a whole is arguably the Raiders deepest position besides wide receiver. With that said, expectations for the cornerbacks and safeties have been set to a higher standard.
Conley broke out last season, showing teams across the league that he is here to stay, and has the ability to be one of the better cover corners in the NFL. With Conley emerging, he can help Paul Guenther’s defense take away one side of the field, generating more ‘forced throws’ to the opposing side, which will help generate more turnovers for the defense.