The defensive secondary of the Oakland Raiders has been a mess over the last decade, and with the drafting of two defensive stars in this year’s draft, it is only going to get messier. For under-performing veterans like corner-back Sean Smith, the end may be near.
Over the last few days, Smith has been running with the second unit, giving way to T.J. Carrie. This is a chance for the Raider coaching staff to get a look at the 2014 seventh round pick in an effort to evaluate his ability to run with the first unit.
Sean Smith working at second-team CB for second straight day. Raiders taking an extended look at TJ Carrie with the ones.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 5, 2017
Sean Smith Running With Oakland Raiders Second Unit is a Step in the Right Direction
Since joining the Raiders in 2016, Sean Smith has shown that he can be a productive defender. With two interceptions and 11 passes defensed in the Silver and Black, he has certainly been active. According to Pro Football Focus, Smith allowed a catch once every 11.6 snaps, with a catch rate of 56.8 percent. His problem is the deep ball.
Giving up one 98-yard touchdown, and a handful of plays over 40, Smith is showing some signs of slowing down. Training camp is certainly the place to see what the veteran has left, even if that means moving him around the field to find a spot for him.
Evaluating talent is a top priority in training camp. Smith’s demotion may be a vote of confidence in the veteran corner and the lack of need for further evaluation.
On the other hand, it could be a sign of things to come. To some, Smith has underplayed the $38 million dollar contract he was given in March of 2016, and the Raiders need to know if he is the long term solution to their problems.
Fixing The Problem
It is no secret that since 2003, the Oakland Raiders have consistently ranked in the bottom half of the league in terms of total defense, and their inability to win more than eight games (2016 not included) is proof of this.
The AFC West is a division know for the deep ball. Each team employs the quarterbacks and receivers to get the ball downfield. Any weakness that can be exploited will be, and the Oakland Raiders have been ill equipped to handle the air attack for years.
Playing in a division that contains threats like Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Keenan Allen, and the always dangerous Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas, defending the pass is a top priority.
General manager Reggie McKenzie used his first and second round picks to select Ohio State standout Gareon Conley and Obi Melifonwu out of Connecticut. This all but ensures a mix up of personal in the defensive backfield, and sends a message to team veterans that nobody’s job is safe.
With an expensive veteran like Sean Smith playing for his job, the Raiders front office has finally committed to fixing a problem that has lingered for far too long. With Conley and Melifonwu signed and ready to play, Oakland looks to have their sights set far beyond the AFC West crown.
