Raiders Listed as Potential Landing Spot for Star CB
The Las Vegas Raiders' defense was one of the few bright spots on their team in an up-and-down season.
The Raiders focused on improving their defense last season, and they were successful in doing so. Las Vegas used the draft to build their defensive backfield over the last few years.
This offseason, however, they could turn to free agency to bring in a top cornerback.
Garrett Podell of CBS Sports thinks the Raiders could be a legitimate landing spot for four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard of the Miami Dolphins, who is a free agent.
“The Raiders underwent a significant defensive turnaround last season following the firing of Coach Josh McDaniels and the promotion of linebackers coach Antonio Pierce to interim head coach,” Podell said.
“Las Vegas led the NFL in scoring defense (16.0) under Pierce from Week 9 through the conclusion of the 2023 regular season."
As Pierce would, Podell wisely notes that even though the Raiders improved vastly on defense, they still have room for improvement, mainly defending against the pass. The Raiders were near the bottom of the league in passing yards allowed per game.
The Las Vegas Raiders will have to improve their defense this offseason.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
“However, they still ranked 22nd in passing yards per game allowed (226.0) under Pierce last season, highlighting their secondary as an area for improvement entering his first season as the team’s full-time head coach," Podell said.
"One of the Raiders’ starting cornerbacks, Amik Robertson, is set to become a free agent, opening a spot that Howard could slide into. Vegas is projected to have the 10th-most cap space in the league this offseason at $48.7 million, according to OverTheCap.com, making the addition of Howard viable.”
The Raiders got serviceable performances from their defensive backs last season. However, their group of defensive backs is one of the youngest in the National Football League.
If Las Vegas can find themselves a shutdown corner or one who can at least eliminate a team's top receiver, their defense will take another step forward next season.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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