5 bold predictions for the Oakland Raiders in 2019

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 18: A detailed view of Oakland Raiders helmets sitting on the bench during the National Anthem prior to their game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 18, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 18: A detailed view of Oakland Raiders helmets sitting on the bench during the National Anthem prior to their game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 18, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 18: Gareon Conley #21 of the Oakland Raiders intercepts a pass as Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 18: Gareon Conley #21 of the Oakland Raiders intercepts a pass as Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Gareon Conley Pro Bowler

Last season was a massive step in the right direction for Gareon Conley, and 2019 will be the year he emerges as a young star.  Conley proved he could compete against elite competition in 2018 holding his own against players like Antonio Brown and Tyreke Hill.

Conley also became an impact playmaker with three interceptions and 10 pass deflections.

https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1136215092415143936

Now heading into 2019, he’ll get even more chances to face elite receivers like DeAndre Hopkins, Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs, Devante Adams along with what is already in the AFC West.

If Conley can have a good season against this level of competition, he will have firmly established himself as a number one shut down corner and worth of a pro bowl nod.

The Raiders haven’t had a pro bowl cornerback since Nnamdi Asomugha, so Conley making a leap will be huge for the future of Oakland’s defense.