Las Vegas Raiders: 5 position battles to watch after the 2020 NFL Draft
By Matt Holder
Slot Cornerback
Last year, the Raiders signed Lamarcus Joyner to a four-year $42 million contract to help solve the team’s long-standing issue at nickelback. What the organization thought it was getting was a top-tier slot corner who allowed a completion percentage of 54.3, 279 yards, and a passer rating of 87.7 when targeted in 2018.
However, what the Silver and Black got was a player who struggled mightily, allowing 69.4 percent of passes to be completed, 541 yards, and a 109.8 passer rating when targeted. Not quite what Gruden and Mayock were looking for from their $10.5 million per year investment.
Luckily, the head coach and GM seem to have a contingency plan in case Joyner continues on this path, as they spent a fourth-round pick on Amik Robertson. At 5’8″ and 187 pounds, the Louisiana Tech product may not have the ideal size for the NFL, but he makes up for it by playing with some tenacity and had the highest Pro Football Focus coverage grade in this year’s draft class.
The former Bulldog primarily played on the outside in college, so it might take some time for him to adjust to the inside, but he’s certainly a candidate to take over the role for the team.
Robertson’s selection likely signals the end for a former fourth-round pick, Nick Nelson. The three-year veteran will have a chance to compete for the spot in training camp – if he makes it that far – but the odds are against him. Nelson has struggled to stay healthy and produce when on the field, making him a cut candidate come September.
My Prediction: Amik Robertson
Maybe I’m overreacting to Joyner’s abysmal 2019 campaign and buying too much into Robertson’s hype, but I think the rookie has a legitimate shot to take over at nickel early in the season. If he can make a smooth transition into the slot, expect the fourth-round pick to crack Las Vegas’ starting lineup. As for last season’s prized free agent, hopefully, defensive coordinator Paul Guenther can find a way to exploit his versatility or Joyner might be looking for a new team in 2021.