Will New Safeties Contribute to Raiders in 2024?

Will the Las Vegas Raiders see new contributors at safety in 2024?

The Las Vegas Raiders are in an exciting position as they work their way through the offseason.

However, part of that offseason process is being honest about their roster. The Raiders must determine which players will best help them win and which will not. 

This won’t be the case for many players defensively, though. The Raiders found a groove on defense in 2023 with Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham in his second year at the helm, coupled with Coach Antonio Pierce.

While they were impressive on that side of the ball last season, there is still room to grow and work to do with this roster. Every position on the team will be evaluated, including safety. 

The Raiders’ starters for 2024 are set, with Tre’von Moehrig having a bounce-back season in 2023 and Marcus Epps playing steady, consistent football. Beyond that, will the Raiders look for more depth at that position?

They have a few in-house candidates who could see increased playing time in 2024. One of those players is Christopher Smith II, who the Raiders selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Smith only appeared in one game for the Silver and Black in 2023, making one tackle. He could be in for a more prominent role in 2024 if the coaching staff is sold on his ball-hawking skills and relentless run-game pursuit. 

Another in-house option that could see increased playing time is Isaiah Pola-Mao. He played in six games last season and totaled 12 tackles. Pola-Mao is an intriguing prospect. He is a rangy, aggressive tackler who showed out during the preseason. 

If the Raiders don’t like their current options, the 2024 NFL Draft features several talented prospects throughout the class. The top two safeties in the draft are Tyler Nubin of Minnesota and Kamren Kinchens of Miami. 

However, there is another Hurricanes safety the Raiders may be interested in. Pierce was photographed with James Williams, a player with a unique skill set who can play safety and linebacker if the Raiders want to use him in different places on the field. 

The Raiders could also look for a veteran safety. Multiple talented safeties, including Jamal Adams, Justin Simmons, Quandre Diggs, and Eddie Jackson, are still on the free agent market.

The Raiders got good play from their starting safeties, but they may want to improve their depth. They have options if that’s the route they want to take.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.

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