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3 Las Vegas Raiders to watch as OTAs open later this month

By Nicholas Yacenko

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: (EDITORS NOTE - This image has been converted to black and white) Oakland Raiders helmet is seen on the field after the game between Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 06, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: (EDITORS NOTE - This image has been converted to black and white) Oakland Raiders helmet is seen on the field after the game between Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 06, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /
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Oct 24, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders safety Tyree Gillespie (37) gives his gloves to a fan following the 33-22 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders safety Tyree Gillespie (37) gives his gloves to a fan following the 33-22 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

3 Las Vegas Raiders to watch as OTAs open later this month

Tyree Gillespie

The only addition the Raiders made at the safety position so far in the 2022 offseason was Duron Harmon. Harmon is a veteran safety who is likely better suited as a backup at this point in his career and isn’t really an upgrade over Jonathan Abram. Graham’s system requires the strong safety position to play both in the box and deep.

However, Gillespie offers more upside at this point.

Gillespie can play both in the box and in deep coverage, something that Abram struggles with. Abram is a hard hitter and a fan favorite but has consistently gotten beat in coverage throughout his career. Gillespie has no ties to this new regime and rarely played last season, but if he can make that second-year leap, it could set up the Raiders’ secondary long term.

Gillespie could play the Jabrill Peppers role in Patrick Graham’s system if he proves to have improved and stays healthy.

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