Addressing a defense that needed reinforcements in the backfield was the Las Vegas Raiders’ priority on Day 2. Picking up TCU’s Trevon Moehrig will certainly help in that regard.
Revamping the Raiders’ secondary was clearly a priority considering how poorly the unit performed in 2020. A lot of blame can go towards ex-defensive coordinator Paul Guenther and deservedly so. However, let’s not mince words, as the team lacked talent on the defensive side of the ball in 2020. Johnathan Abram and Jeff Heath are back, and Las Vegas brought back former first-round pick, Karl Joseph. While Joseph’s addition is positive, the team decided it wasn’t enough and got themselves a lockdown defensive back in Moehrig.
In his time at TCU, Moehrig nabbed seven interceptions in coverage, posting a 92.8 career coverage grade per Pro Football Football. The Raiders getting themselves the only safety worthy of a first-round selection in the second bodes well for their brain trust. PFF is also very high on this selection, they’re already hailing it a steal.
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Did the Raiders get one of the biggest steals in Moehrig?
It was a safety class that only featured Moehrig as a potential first-round pick this year. Fortunately for Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden, they decided he was worth trading up for, and rightfully so. He was ranked number 16 on PFF’s Big Board and came into the draft with very few negatives as they pointed out.
“Moehrig was a true ballhawk in the Horned Frogs defense over the last couple of years, making a total of 28 plays on the ball, five more than any other Power Five safety.”
The Raiders went for versatility and speed when addressing their defense this year and it all started with Moehrig. He’s a devastating tackler, notching two forced fumbles and missing only six tackles last season. More than likely, Gus Bradley will have Moehrig line up all over the backfield. Moehrig displayed tons of versatility, totaling 172 snaps in the free safety role but also 198 down in the box. He also helped man the slot, totaling 313 snaps last year alone, 370 the previous season. Time will tell if this pick ends up a steal but for now, PFF is raving about it.
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*Top Photo: AJ Mast/Associated Press
