Las Vegas Raiders pre-2021 NFL Draft position review: Safety

By Nick Bailey | Apr 25, 2021

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 15: Strong safety Johnathan Abram #24 and free safety Erik Harris #25 of the Las Vegas Raiders walk off the field after warmups before their game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on November 15, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 37-12. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

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Jeff Heath (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders pre-2021 NFL Draft position review: Safety

Jeff Heath

The Las Vegas Raiders signed the 7-year veteran Jeff Heath last offseason for some depth behind presumed starters Johnathan Abram and Erik Harris, as he was solid as a backup in Dallas. While he was supposed to just provide depth, he actually had a solid season with the Raiders and was the first player to intercept Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in Week 5 of the 2020 season.

Heath ended up staring five games while playing in 13 total, finishing with three interceptions, and it looks like he is going to be a part of the plan in 2021 as well. Heath is a solid veteran for this defensive backfield, and he can help this Raiders team in terms of depth, and on special teams.

In General Manager Mike Mayock’s pre-draft press conference, he stated that he likes Heath at the free safety position, and claimed that Heath actually played well while in that spot last season. That is a ringing endorsement from Mayock, and if Abram struggles again in 2021, he could find himself starting some more games for the Silver and Black.

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