Las Vegas Raiders 2021 complete roster breakdown pre-free agency

Las Vegas Raiders 2021 complete roster breakdown pre-free agency

Defensive Backs

Cornerbacks

On the Roster: Damon Arnette ($3.05 Million), Trayvon Mullen ($1.98 Million), Isaiah Johnson ($1.02 Million), Amik Robertson ($903K), Keisean Nixon ($855K), Kevin Silverand ($660K)

Need: Moderately High

If the Raiders want to bank on Arnette or Johnson developing into a starting caliber cornerback across from Trayvon Mullen in 2021 that’s fine. We’ve seen players like Johnson (6’2+ Cornerbacks) do well in Gus Bradley’s scheme and Arnette is a former 1st round pick so there are arguments to be made for both.

However with the news of Lamarcus Joyner’s release, who is playing at the nickel spot in this group?

Betting on Amik Robertson is good in theory until you realize he was a man outside corner in college and would be asked to play zone as a slot corner under Bradley– the transition could have some bumps. The Raiders would be smart to sign a veteran to start at Nickel until one of the young corners in this group are ready to handle the job.

Safeties

On the Roster: Jeff Heath ($3.15 Million), Johnathan Abram ($3.14 Million), Rashaan Gaulden ($850K), Dallin Leavitt ($850K).

Need: Severe

If the Raiders went into the season with Heath and Abram starting at safety, not only would they have perhaps one of the worst starting safety tandems in the NFL, they would be in dire straits if either one of those players was injured. Heath fits best as the backup Strong Safety to Abram which means the Raiders need to get both a starting and back-up Free Safety this off-season.

Veteran safeties like Malik Hooker or Anthony Harris would excel in Gus Bradley’s scheme and immediately provide a safety net for the young secondary. Meanwhile getting a young safety like Caden Sterns (Texas) or Richard LeCounte (Georgia) in the middle of the draft could be the future at the position.