The Las Vegas Raiders have done a solid job of fortifying their defensive line in hopes of getting after quarterbacks next year. However, the defensive backfield still needs attention.
The Raiders decided they had seen enough of Lamarcus Joyner lining up at the slot and parted ways. Surprising when you consider Jon Gruden’s friend, former defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, insisted on playing him out of his natural position. Nevertheless, here we are, with Las Vegas needing to do something about the slot position. Free-agent Corn Elder could certainly lend a hand next year coming off a solid display last season.
The Silver and Black still possess a young prospect in Amik Robertson. Appearing in only eight games while totaling 35 snaps, Robertson didn’t exactly shined and surrendered a touchdown off of six targets. The 2020 rookie was largely inactive last season and unless someone’s signed or drafted, he’ll likely be the starter. Signing Elder to a one-year deal could benefit the Raiders considering he seems to be more physically fit for the role. Robertson’s undersized at five-foot-eight and judging from his few appearances, didn’t appear to be ready to carry the mantle.
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Why Corn Elder makes sense for Raiders
Pro Football Focus has Elder as the 98th ranked available free agent at the time of this writing. All things considered, there’s a lot of value to be had, especially on a one-year deal. The Raiders still need help in the slot and need to give new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley someone reliable. PFF predicts Elder will get a $1.25 million deal on a ‘prove it’ basis by someone. A 2017 fifth-round pick by the Carolina Panthers, he didn’t play regularly until this past season.
Elder made the most of it though, and became a reliable slot defender, posting solid numbers across the board. His abilities in stopping the run and in coverage were his high points, PFF graded them 74.2 and 68.2, respectively. While there’s plenty of time left in free agency not to mention the draft, picking up Elder would be a wise move.
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*Top Photo Courtesy of Panthers.com