Las Vegas Raiders set for the long-term at cornerback position

Las Vegas Raiders set for the long-term at cornerback position

The Backups

As mentioned in the previous slide, Arnette is penciled in as the starter after the Amukamara release, but there may still be some competition for that role. Nevin Lawson is suspended for Week 1, but he started five games for the Raiders in 2019, and has started 59 games over his six year career.

He was primarily a nickel corner last season, and we can expect him to maintain that role in 2020. It is unlikely that Lawson can steal the starting position from Arnette, but he will provide some excellent depth at the position, and can step in as a starter if necessary.

Rookie Amik Robertson has stood out in training camp, and can be penciled in for now as the backup to Joyner in the slot. Robertson has however been working on the outside as well, and has plenty of experience playing there at the college level.

He may be undersized compared to both Arnette and Mullen, but he could make up for that with his instincts and tenacity. It may be a bit too far to suggest he will start from Week 1, but he is certainly one to watch.

Isaiah Johnson is yet another name that has stood out in camp, and along with Keisean Nixon, were running with the first team in recent practices. Johnson has excellent size and speed and the Raiders were high on him, but he missed most 2019 with injury.

He played in just five games last season, but his measurables make him an interesting prospect as he combines a 6’2 frame with 4.4 speed. Nixon is more of a depth player at this point but he will certainly provide competition at that number three and four cornerback slots.