Jeff Heath and Eli Apple expected to improve Raiders secondary

Jeff Heath

The long time Cowboys safety has been a mainstay in the Dallas defense. His open field tackling and work against the run makes him a viable starter in any defense. He has also taken almost 2000 snaps on special teams throughout his career so he is an player who can add value in multiple ways for this team.

Run defense

Tackling and playing in the box is a strength of Heath’s game. He was asked to handle quasi-linebacker duties for the Cowboys at times being involved in gap exchanges responsibilities not usual for many defensive backs. He’s a strong guy who won’t be blocked. His addition made Karl Joseph expendable; the two being very similar stylistically except Heath is 6’1 210lbs.

Pass coverage

Heath isn’t exceptional in coverage but at the same time won’t be a liability either. He can work on getting his head around when in man coverage. He’s better in zone coverage and his foot work is very advanced for the position. He does a good job keeping himself in a position to make a play even though he might not be the kind of guy who jumps routes with anticipation.

Fit in Las Vegas

Paul Guenther runs a heavy dose of Cover 1 which may be concerning for Heath who isn’t consistent enough in man coverage on Tight Ends to make an impact against the passing game. He also lacks the range on the back end to make plays sideline to sideline as a deep middle defender.

Guenther also likes Cover 4 as a change-up and Heath is much better in pattern matching zones.  Heath and Erik Harris have enough opposite strengths that there will be an interesting camp battle between these two come August.