Las Vegas Raiders: 3 defensive gambles that must pay off in 2021

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Nicholas Morrow #50 of the Oakland Raiders is seen during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Nicholas Morrow #50 of the Oakland Raiders is seen during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 12: Casey Hayward #26 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts to an interception by Nasir Adderley #24 against the New Orleans Saints during their NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 12, 2020, in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders: 3 defensive gambles that must pay off in 2021

No clear starting three at cornerback heading into camp

Last season, the cornerback position for the Las Vegas Raiders was atrocious, as was most of the defense, and the secondary especially. Trayvon Mullen was solid again, and is the clear starter within this position group heading into summer, but who is going to start alongside him.

The Raiders went out and brought in Casey Hayward in free agency, and he is not only a former starter, but he is a guy who knows Gus Bradley’s defense after their time together in Los Angeles. Outside of Hayward, the Raiders have young, unproven players, including Isaiah Johnson and Damon Arnette.

At the slot cornerback position, the three-way battle between Nate Hobbs, Amik Robertson, and Nevin Lawson will be interesting, though all three are unproven as well. The Raiders gambled and did not do enough at the cornerback spot this offseason, feeling they have enough young talent on the roster, and heading into camp, we have no idea what the trio of starters will look like in Week 1 at a premium position.