Las Vegas Raiders must avoid a safety at pick No. 17 overall
By Brad Weiss
![Nov 15, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders strong safety Jeff Heath (38) celebrates with strong safety Johnathan Abram (24) after intercepting a pass in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Nov 15, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders strong safety Jeff Heath (38) celebrates with strong safety Johnathan Abram (24) after intercepting a pass in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fjustblogbaby-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F15204025-850x560-71b99d9796b82e955ccf57a280193a466b03381fe51391de230ca9074442d5a3.jpg)
Who returns at safety for the Raiders?
The Las Vegas Raiders will see some turnover at the safety position, as both Dallin Leavitt and Erik Harris are hitting free agency, and likely will not return in 2021. Las Vegas has a lot of work to do in terms of the salary cap and entering the third offseason of the Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock era, the Raiders are on the brink of either becoming a playoff contender, or wallowing in the six-to-nine win purgatory.
Returning at safety is obviously Abram, their 2019 first-round pick, as well as Jeff Heath, who played some of the best football of any player at the position last season. Outside of those two players, the Raiders have to completely revamp the safety spot, finding someone who can play free safety to counter Abram’s ability to come up and play in the box.
Also, the Raiders should really think about moving Lamarcus Joyner back to safety, his best position before coming over to the Silver and Black, that is if they do not cut him this offseason. Overall, this group needs help, there is no doubt about it, but utilizing the No. 17 pick on the position group does not make sense at this point.