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Las Vegas Raiders: Top free agent targets for roster needs in 2021

By Maurice Moton

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 13: Carl Lawson #58 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 13: Carl Lawson #58 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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Casey Heyward just became available. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Casey Heyward just became available. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders: Top free agent targets for roster needs in 2021

Cornerbacks

Jon Gruden said he wanted an “alpha presence” in the secondary while talking to Richard Sherman this offseason. The Raiders may have some competition from the New York Jets as potential suitors for the three-time All-Pro. Gang Green’s head coach, Robert Saleh, served as his defensive coordinator for three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Who else belongs on Vegas’ wish list at cornerback?

Casey Hayward (Gus Bradley’s Choice)

The Los Angeles Chargers released Casey Hayward Saturday. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the two-time Pro Bowler didn’t fit head coach Brandon Staley’s system.

Hayward could follow Gus Bradley, his former defensive coordinator, to Vegas. In 2020, the 31-year-old allowed a 49.4 percent completion rate in coverage. Assuming he would take over a starting role, Damon Arnette could possibly shift to the slot where he has experience from his collegiate days at Ohio State.

Michael Davis (Gus Bradley’s Choice)

Bradley could attract the other starting cornerback from his Chargers’ 2020 defense in Michael Davis, who’s coming off his best season as a pro, recording 14 pass breakups and three interceptions, both career highs. He allowed a 60.6 percent completion rate and a 79.2 passer rating in coverage.

Hayward has the bigger name, but Davis will go into his age-26 term with more upside.

If the Raiders prefer to move Arnette into the slot, Davis could take over on the perimeter. If Bradley wants to keep Arnette outside, Hayward would serve as the better stopgap short-term option until the former catches up to speed on the pro level.

Mike Hilton (Writer’s Suggestion)

The Raiders released Lamarcus Joyner, who played out of position in the slot for two seasons, which opens the door for 2020 fourth-rounder Amik Robertson.

Robertson lined up as an outside cornerback at Louisiana Tech and only played 35 defensive snaps this past season. He’s not a lock to start in the slot in 2021 with little experience lining up on the inside.

The Raiders can shore up the secondary with a proven slot defender in Mike Hilton, who’s a playmaker against the run, as a pass-rusher and in coverage, logging 237 tackles, 30 for loss, 9.5 sacks, 32 pass breakups and seven interceptions. He tracks the ball as one of the most complete players at the position.

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