Raiders who need a strong showing vs Patriots for a roster spot

Raiders who need a strong showing vs Patriots for a roster spot

Sam Webb

Truth be told, this has little to do with Webb and more to do with how many cornerbacks the Raiders want to carry. Here’s what I mean.

The bad news for Sam Webb: In all likelihood, Webb is the CB6 on the expanded preseason roster. Nate Hobbs, Trayvon Mullen, Anthony Averett, and Rock Ya-Sin are certainly above him, and it’s hard to imagine Darius Phillips isn’t as well. Behind those 5, Webb appears to be a lock for the sixth corner on the roster.

The good news is: It isn’t all bad being CB6, at least not when your defensive coordinator is Patrick Graham. Since day 1 in Las Vegas, Graham has preached secondary depth, even stating he wanted around five starting-caliber cornerbacks. For now, Webb isn’t at that level, but he’s proven to be a great depth piece through his impressive preseason play.

The best play from Sam Webb this preseason was when the undrafted free agent forced a fumble and then recovered the ball in a play that [should’ve] ended in a defensive touchdown. Unfortunately for Webb, the referees blew the play dead instead of letting it continue as the ruling on the field was no fumble.

With one quick look at the replay, it was obvious Webb both forced and picked up a clear fumble, and the call was overturned. Unfortunately for Webb, he didn’t get the touchdown. See the play for yourself in case you missed it.

Be that as it may, this contest against the Patriots is Webb’s final chance to force McDaniels’ hand at carrying him on the active roster. If he impresses, there’s no reason to believe the Raiders won’t carry six corners based on Graham’s emphasis on the position. Until then, the most likely scenario is Webb is cut and brought back soon after as a member of the Raiders practice squad.