Oakland Raiders top-5 offseason moves that will be big contributors in 2019

Lamarcus Joyner

The Raiders brought in one of the most versatile defensive backs out on the free-agent market. Lamarcus Joyner looks to be featured as a hybrid type of player, who can serve as the teams nickel corner, and safety.

Joyner comes from the Los Angeles Rams, where he helped lead the way on defense, guiding his former team to a Super Bowl appearance. The former second-round pick chalked up a career-high season last year, where he recorded 78 tackles.

Meanwhile, defensive coordinator, Paul Guenther had arguably his toughest season coaching last year. Part of that was due to the large chunk plays that the Raiders secondary was beat on from time to time. With the addition of Joyner, he looks to help moderate the opposing offense’s to a minimum.

Joyner’s also capable of contributing as a large factor in stopping the run. He’s a fast processor, and can crash the line of scrimmage in a quick manner.

Joyner’s just two season’s removed from his monster 2017 season, where he recorded three interceptions and nine passes defended. Following that season, the Rams placed the franchise tag on Joyner in the effort of keeping their multidimensional defender for the time being.

Now, he looks to be the tone setter for the Raiders defense that needs a lot of help. Their defense last season had multiple rookies playing in starting roles, and with bringing in a proven defender like Joyner, he’ll only benefit the younger defensive backs when working with each other simultaneously.