It has lengthy been clear Jack Jones will occupy a beginning spot as a fringe nook for the Raiders this season. Likewise, Nate Hobbs is positioned to serve in a first-team position within the slot. Second-year cowl man Jakorian Bennett will start the marketing campaign as a starter reverse Jones, however the staff’s depth past these three is an space of concern.
This week will supply the chance so as to add gamers let go throughout roster cutdowns, a interval which at all times sees loads of motion with groups taking a flier at positions of want prematurely of Week 1. For Las Vegas, that would result in a rotational contributor being added within the secondary. Based mostly on head coach Antonio Pierce‘s feedback, expertise shall be a key issue focused in any potential addition.
“I’m not a believer of throwing younger cornerbacks on the market early in the event that they’re not fairly prepared,” Pierce mentioned (through Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Evaluate-Journal). “If we will get higher, we have to get higher.”
Brandon Facyson missed appreciable time throughout coaching camp as a consequence of an undisclosed damage, Bonsignore provides. That stored the 29-year-old out of the preseason altogether, limiting the Raiders’ potential to guage him. Facyson was added on a two-year deal final offseason, and his play when wholesome may form the general efficiency of the cornerback room. Facyson was restricted to simply three video games final yr, although, so his damage standing shall be price watching carefully.
Rookies Decamerion Richardson and M.J. Devonshire have seen an elevated workload throughout the summer time within the wake of Facyson’s absence, however counting on them within the common season is a scenario the Raiders shall be seeking to keep away from by making a transfer within the coming days. Various cornerbacks shall be out there on the waiver wire subsequent week, and a few veterans could also be let go earlier than cutdown day (Aug. 27) as groups permit them a head begin on discovering a brand new alternative.
Vegas was beforehand linked to avoiding any big-ticket free-agent strikes, and that can stay the case even when a flier is taken within the close to future on a depth cornerback. With practically $35M in cap area, the staff can have loads of flexibility whereas exploring choices available on the market forward of Week 1.
