Las Vegas Raiders: Fact or fiction for biggest 2020 season question marks
Las Vegas Raiders: Fact or fiction for biggest 2020 season question marks
Lamarcus Joyner Loses His Starting Slot Position
Lamarcus Joyner struggled through the 2019 campaign. Opposing quarterbacks logged a 109.8 passer rating when they targeted him in coverage. He broke up just three passes (without an interception) and allowed 541 yards along with four touchdowns.
According to defensive backs coach Jim O’Neil, the Raiders will cross-train Joyner at safety (h/t Silver and Black Today), though the team views him as a slot cornerback first (starting at the 35:09 mark).
Joyner has a better track record at safety than cornerback, so the Raiders may struggle to optimize his skill set at the latter position. Of course, offseason time in the former role opens the door for change.
The Raiders selected Amik Robertson in the fourth round of April’s draft. He took a majority of his snaps on the outside at Louisiana Tech, so the young cover man may need some time to adjust as a slot cornerback.
In 2019, Nevin Lawson logged the second-most snaps in the slot (95), per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). If Keisean Nixon makes the roster, he could push for the position as well.
Regardless of who takes over in the slot, Joyner isn’t the best fit at the position. He’ll start as the nickelback, but the 29-year-old might find himself at safety or on the sidelines before the 2020 season ends.