The Oakland Raiders got themselves a new coach for 2018, and with that hire brings a lot of change within the organization. The Raiders have already begun to make moves by cutting veteran cornerback David Amerson. It is no surprise that cornerback will be one of the biggest positions of need this off-season. This article will look at potential options at corner. Whether it is in free agency, or the draft, Oakland needs to improve this position.
Oakland Raiders Off-Season Cornerback Options
Sign Kyle Fuller
The former first-round pick of the Chicago Bears in 2014 had a great 2017 season. Chicago decided to not pick up Fuller’s fifth-year option. Oakland needs a young but proven player with upside in their secondary. Amerson might have had his struggles in Oakland, but he served as a veteran presence. Oakland will need a replacement in that regard. Fuller can fill that void.
Fuller recorded two interceptions, 22 passes defended, and 60 solo tackles in 2017. Fuller can come in day one and was an instant impact player the younger corners can learn from. At only 26 years old himself, there is still a lot of potential for Fuller to be even better than he has been.
Draft Joshua Jackson
Iowa cornerback Joshua Jackson not only has the size and speed to be successful in the NFL, he is a tremendous ballhawk. The Iowa Hawkeyes corner recorded eight interceptions and 18 passes defended in 2017. Oakland spent a first round pick on a corner last season when they selected Gareon Conley. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to double dip and take another corner this year. The possibilities of Conley and Jackson seem endless. Both players have the size and skill to play just about anywhere on the field. Having two young number one type corners on the field at the same time will do wonders for Oakland’s defense.
Conley and Jackson could be given the chance to grow together. Conley himself missed most of last season. Essentially, he is a rookie this year as well. Oakland could be looking at a deadly one-two punch at corner for years to come if they make Jackson their number one pick. Jackson is the best bet when it comes to Raiders offseason cornerback options.
Sign Trumaine Johnson
Trumaine Johnson has been a franchise cornerback for the St. Louis and Los Angeles Rams for several years now. At 28 years old, Johnson is seemingly out of his prime. Oakland can hope to get a veteran player to help be a coach on the field for the young and inexperienced secondary. Johnson is also over six feet tall, and the Raiders do like to have corners on the taller side.
Johnson shouldn’t be the number one option for Oakland in free agency. If some of the younger players with more upside get snatched by other teams, Johnson is a good consolation prize. There are still a few high-level years in Johnson, and the Raiders can capitalize on that. Johnson can teach the young players a thing or two, in hopes that they can develop and take over with success.
