Having defensive backs who can guard their yard is paramount to high-level success, and that is exactly what the Las Vegas Raiders are gunning for with this influx of cornerback talent. Not only did they trade for a veteran, but they also added two through the draft and one more recently on waivers.
Of the six in the room, only two were on the team last year (Eric Stokes and Darien Porter), so that leaves four newbies (Taron Johnson, Zeke Masses, Jermod McCoy and Darrell Luter Jr.). While that means some mystery ahead of the 2026 NFL season, it also means tons of excitement and promise.
With a favorable matchup just about any way you slice it in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, this crew should get off to a strong start. But the entire body of work will be important, so let's preview this group in its entirety and make some bold predictions. Because it's September, and why not?
Previewing Las Vegas Raiders' SAF room before vital 2026 NFL season
Taron Johnson
Johnson isn't talked about nearly enough for what he'll provide for the cornerback room. Yes, the nickel position is a bit different than those on the boundary, especially in Rob Leonard's new defense, but Johnson will still be tasked many times with locking down the slot and helping against the run.
Although he's dealt with injuries in recent years, Johnson is still a premier player at his position, as he is sticky in coverage, a good run defender, effective as a pass rusher and a sure tackler. He'll make a big impact on this Raiders defense in more ways than one.
Bold prediction: Johnson has a resurgence and is close to his 2022-23 Buffalo production.
Eric Stokes
Stokes isn't necessarily an elite, high-end No. 1 cornerback who you want to follow around every team's top pass-catching option. And his skill set may be better equipped for zone schemes than a heavy man. But Stokes has the physical tools to stick with guys, and he showed that last year.
He was rewarded with a big contract, one that he should have no problem living up to, as Stokes will anchor the boundary for Las Vegas. The big complaint with him is, that for his length, Stokes doesn't make plays on the ball enough. But with a new approach and scheme this year, that could change.
Bold prediction: Stokes finally turns the corner with ball production, recording 3 interceptions.
Darien Porter
Porter had an up-and-down rookie campaign, but he showed enough promise to be considered for the starting job opposite Stokes this year. And he won it, despite the rookie Masses making a solid push for the distinction. But the battle isn't over yet.
Still a relative newcomer to the position, Porter is rough around the edges in many ways, which means that he could have some growing pains on the field. But as he continues to put it together, he should have great moments, even if the team rotates heavily at his spot and he doesn't always start.
Bold prediction: Porter records his first interception, but doesn't keep his starting job all year.
Zeke Masses
Masses is a sticky player with great ball skills, but he struggles to be an effective tackler, which is pivotal at the NFL level. If you can't reliably bring down ball carriers as the last line of defense, it is hard for a team to trust you out there. But he showed improvement on that front this preseason.
If Masses can make some plays when he inevitably rotates in with Porter, then that will go a long way toward getting him more reps under Rob Leonard, who is fiending for takeaways. He'll get tested a lot as a rookie, but teams may end up regretting that, as Masses can break up passes and pick them off.
Bold prediction: Masses starts the entire second half of the season and leads the team in PBUs.
Jermod McCoy
McCoy is the ultimate wild card. He could end the year as a starting corner because of his immense talent, or McCoy could continue to be eased in as he and the team learn to trust his new knee situation and all that comes with it. But, man, McCoy can be a real shutdown corner in the NFL.
His athleticism, size, instincts and ball skills are all something to marvel at, even if he didn't put that all on display in the preseason. But he got better throughout the exhibition slate, and with whatever chance he gets, McCoy will make an impact. Early, that'll be on special teams. Later, who knows?
Bold prediction: McCoy plays fewer than 250 defensive snaps, but records multiple interceptions.
Darrell Luter Jr.
Without having seen Luter Jr. in this defense, it's hard to predict exactly how he'll perform or what kind of role he may have. But he's an experienced player who looked good against the Raiders this preseason, and early in the year, Las Vegas may rely on him if they need him.
But his main contribution will be on special teams in Las Vegas. He is a tough player and a good tackler, so Luter Jr. will be called upon to be a core player in the third phase of the game, and he could see time in some packages for the Raiders' defense as well, as they sort out all the young talent.
Bold prediction: Luter Jr. plays an early role on the boundary, getting playing time before McCoy.
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