Early prediction for the 2022 Raiders linebackers and secondary

Jan 2, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones (7) catches the ball while Indianapolis Colts cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) defends in the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones (7) catches the ball while Indianapolis Colts cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) defends in the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Raiders
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 17: Cornerback Trayvon Mullen Jr. #27 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders in overtime 30-27. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Early prediction for the 2022 Raiders linebackers and secondary

Cornerbacks

  • Trayvon Mullen
  • Rock Ya-Sin
  • Anthony Averett
  • Nate Hobbs
  • Darius Phillips
  • Amik Robertson

The big addition to this group was Rock Ya-Sin in a trade with the Colts. Ya-Sin is the key to the defense because he will need to play as well as Casey Heyward did last season to keep this secondary afloat. Ya-Sin is playing for a new contract and is a young athletic corner who can become a long-term option at one outside spot. Hobbs returns at the slot corner position after a breakout rookie season as the slot corner.

Hobbs showed the makings of being a star and could make a huge leap this year.

The big battle will come between Mullen and Averett at the other outside corner spot. Mullen has been a starter with the Raiders for a few years, but was hurt for much of last season and recently had an undisclosed surgery.

Meanwhile, Averett had a solid season in Baltimore and was given a raise to come to Las Vegas and compete with Mullen. Averett, at the least, will provide great depth. Phillips was a depth signing who should also be a great special teams option and kick and punt returner. I have Amik Robertson making the team because the new regime has been very impressed with his versatility and special teams ability.

The new regime values versatility and his good impression is a good start to making the team. Chris Jones and Cre’von Leblanc miss out because of the special teams and versatility that Phillips and Robertson offer.