Las Vegas Raiders: 2021 Post-draft 53 man roster prediction

Las Vegas Raiders: 2021 Post-draft 53 man roster prediction

Safeties: Johnathan Abram, Karl Joseph, Trevon Moehrig, Tyree Gillespie

The Raiders brought back former first-round pick Karl Joseph after a year in Cleveland and many expected him to slot in at free safety alongside Johnathan Abram. That is not the case however as Joseph will reportedly be staying at strong safety as a backup to Abram. He should still get plenty of playing time however as Abram has a tough habit of knocking himself out of games with his violent hits.

So with Joseph as a backup, the Raiders are likely looking at starting the season with rookie second-round pick Trevon Moehrig as the number one free safety. Moehrig is a dynamic playmaker who has the size and speed to be a difference-maker all over the field and has the potential to be a star. The Raiders traded up to get him and he fills a major need on the defense.

Backing up Moehrig we have fellow rookie Tyree Gillespie who the Raiders also traded up to get in the fourth round. Gillespie is not as decorated as Moehrig and is a bit smaller but is every bit the athlete that his fellow rookie is. The Raiders have shown faith in this duo even before the offseason workouts by releasing veteran Jeff Heath who can play both safety positions.

Perhaps they can still bring back Heath on a reduced deal as they only have Dallin Leavitt and UDFA TJ Morrison on the roster for now. Leavitt is a limited athlete who Gruden seems to love as a special teamer and backup but he should be a practice squad player at best. Morrison is a small-school safety that could surprise but is unlikely to make the roster or even the practice squad.