The Las Vegas Raiders go into this offseason with issues in the secondary once again, so look for another revamping at cornerback and safety.
Last offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders knew they had issues in the defensive backfield, so they utilized free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft to get better back there. They added a Gus Bradley favorite in Casey Hayward to the cornerback room, and he played at a Pro Bowl level, while second-round pick Tre’Von Moehrig was as good as advertised.
Las Vegas also struck gold in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, as Illinois cornerback Nate Hobbs proved to be the answer at the slot corner position. He was one of the best defensive rookies in the NFL last season and will go into the 2022 campaign as a bonafide starter on this defense.
The problem is, Hayward is entering free agency, and we still do not know what the ceiling is going to be for Trayvon Mullen. Mullen has had the label of CB1 for much of his Raiders career, but injuries and inconsistent play have derailed him across his first three seasons.
Now, the Raiders once again go into the offseason looking for answers in the secondary.
Raiders must improve cornerback and safety this offseason
With Johnathan Abram entering his fourth season, and still not a proven player, the Raiders should be active in terms of the safety spot this offseason. Dallin Leavitt, who seems to sneak his way onto the roster each season, is entering free agency, as is cornerback Desmond Trufant.
That means the Raiders will be shuffling the deck once again this offseason, as Hayward is no guarantee to return now that Bradley has been replaced by Patrick Graham. Sure, Mullen is back, but he is still a wild card, and Amik Robertson, a 2019 draft pick, is likely headed to the cut list.
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All told, the Raiders have a few solid contributors coming back that are currently on the roster, so you can expect the team to be active in free agency and through the draft. Las Vegas improved in the secondary last season, and under Graham, they should take another step forward, now they just have to find the right mix of talent and bring it all together.