Las Vegas Raiders: UDFA Shaun Crawford a sleeper to make 53-man roster
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders signed Shaun Crawford as an undrafted free agent and based on his skill set, he could be a sleeper to crack the 53-man roster.
After bringing back Karl Joseph, and drafting both Trevon Moehrig and Tyree Gillespie, the safety position for the Las Vegas Raiders could actually be a strength in 2021. During the 2019 NFL Draft, the Raiders selected hard-hitting safety, Johnathan Abram, from Mississippi State, and the organization is counting on a big third season from him.
Though the team drafted both Gillespie and Moehrig during the three-day 2021 NFL Draft, they were obviously not done adding to the position group. After the draft, the Raiders signed former Notre Dame Football star Shaun Crawford, who comes to the Silver and Black after a roller coaster of a collegiate career.
In a six-year career marred by injuries, Crawford was able to stay healthy in 2020, albeit playing with a dislocated elbow at times and put together a tremendous final campaign in South Bend. Crawford was named honorable mention All-ACC, and a team captain, putting a nice capper on his Irish career.
Raiders have solid depth at safety in 2021
Though the Raiders have solid depth at safety in 2021, Crawford can do much more than just fill up a roster spot behind the likes of Moehrig, Abram, and Joseph. In fact, he would be an excellent addition to this team on special teams, while also getting an excellent opportunity to learn under Gus Bradley.
Bradley is the gold standard when it comes to coaching up defensive backs, and Crawford comes to the organization ready to learn. He is an older rookie, but has persevered through so much, and will be one of the hardest-working players on the field at all times.
If anything, Crawford would be a hard-working, never-say-die player that can be signed to the practice squad and be brought up if need be. This is a 17-game season the Raiders are embarking on in 2021, so if Crawford does not sneak onto the 53-man roster for Week 1, the hope is they can keep him around for when his opportunity presents itself.