The Las Vegas Raiders head into the 2020 NFL season with a lot of youth at cornerback. In particular, one rookie to keep an eye on is Amik Robertson.
In 2019, the Silver and Black lacked depth in their defensive backfield. They did discover a promising player in Trayvon Mullen, but more was needed if the defense was to improve. After April’s NFL Draft, it’s possible the Raiders walked away with a disruptive force at cornerback with Robertson.
Drafted in the fourth round, expecting Robertson to come in and make an immediate impact might be short-sighted, at least at first. Let’s not forget NFL rookies have missed out on regular offseason activities due to the current pandemic. Zoom meetings are great but they’re limited in what they can teach. In other words, digital interactions can’t recreate the preparation that playing on the field gives. That said, Robertson goes into his career having the ability to disrupt passes, something the Raiders will desperately need.
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Do The Raiders Have Another Steal?
Most forced incompletions among FBS defenders since 2018:
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 16, 2020
➤ Jeff Gladney – 32
➤ Kristian Fulton – 32
➤ A.J. Green – 32
➤ Amik Robertson – 30 pic.twitter.com/VGt9v19cWE
Pro Football Focus recently shared a tidbit on Robertson’s abilities, in particular, his knack for disrupting passing lanes. Since 2018, Robertson has 30 forced incompletions, trailing only Jeff Gladney, Kristian Fulton, and A.J. Green who each have 32. In addition, Robertson isn’t afraid of contact, he totaled 138 solo tackles in his career at Louisiana Tech. This will help him right out of the game as fans saw the Raiders’ current slot corner, Lamarcus Joyner, struggle with tackling last season.
The 2019 FWAA All-American will have to compete with veterans such as Joyner and sophomore Isaiah Johnson for snaps this year. From a long-term point of view, the Raiders hope that Robertson’s ability to go up and force incompletions will serve them well for years to come.
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*Top Photo: Chuck Burton/Associated Press