Ever since the financially motivated departure of Nnamdi Asomugha, the Las Vegas Raiders franchise has been in need of a true number one cornerback to neutralize top receivers on a weekly basis. In spite of missing out on big-ticket names in free agency over the years (Byron Jones, Darius Slay, and James Bradberry) and completely whiffing on first-round picks allocated to the position (D.J. Hayden, Gareon Conley, and Damon Arnette), Las Vegas enters their 2022 OTAs with the most depth they’ve had on the boundary in ages. Even with the departure of last season’s top corner, Casey Hayward Jr., new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has plenty of young and hungry talent to mold.
Will a true number one corner emerge for the Silver and Black?
While there is no household name in the secondary as of now, a gem could be waiting to be polished by this coaching staff. A plethora of guys will have their chance to make their mark. Since this staff is new, it is not tied to any players from the previous regime. This means that everyone on the team, but especially the cornerbacks, needs to start off strong.
Let’s take a look at the top five guys heading into offseason activities.
No. 5 Raiders Cornerback – Sam Webb (R)
In the words of the infamous Vince Russo, “Swerve, bro.“
I know what I said to start this article; the Raiders truly have more potential players at corner than they’ve had in a long time. Why, then, does an unproven, undrafted rookie land within the top five at the position?
Sam Webb has the size, speed, and scheme flexibility that Graham is going to value. While at Missouri Western, Webb showed the ability to jam receivers in man coverage but also had solid zone principles in his arsenal. The former Griffon will have to clean up his physicality. Mostly to avoid being a penalty magnet and his footwork needs some refinement, but those aren’t impossible tasks. It will be exciting to see if Webb can build off his toolset and lock up more than just a roster spot.
No. 4 Raiders Cornerback – Anthony Averett
Averett makes his way to Las Vegas after having both feet firmly placed in the fire in 2021. When the Ravens lost multiple cornerbacks to season-ending injuries, the Alabama product started 14 games, with mixed results. However, the underlying numbers may not be as bad as some of the tape may lead you to believe. According to Pro Football Reference, Averett allowed a 55.4% completion percentage when targeted in coverage. Averett is still young, has decent size at 5’11”, and possesses 4.3 speed. He could be a huge steal for this front office.
No. 3 Raiders Cornerback – Nate Hobbs
The third name on our list may have the most defined role of anyone in the position group. In one season, Nate Hobbs rose from a fifth-round pick to one of the Raiders’ most dependable defensive players. The former Syracuse defensive back locked up the slot corner spot in the preseason and never relinquished it. He even filled in on the boundary when injuries deemed it necessary. There’s no telling if Hobbs will remain as the NCB under Graham’s watch, but I would be surprised if he didn’t.
No. 2 Raiders Cornerback – Trayvon Mullen
The term “make or break season” gets thrown around a lot when it comes to players on this roster, but it’s hard to find a name that fits the criteria more than Trayvon Mullen. The former second round pick has flashed the ability to be the top guy for the Raiders since he was drafted in 2019. Sadly, injuries have hampered and, at times, flat out halted his progress. Mullen underwent a small procedure earlier in the offseason that could cause him to be absent until training camp in July. However, according to the man himself, the surgery should finally fix the toe issue. The same issue that cost him a majority of the 2021 campaign. If healthy, Mullen could form a quality duo alongside……
No. 1 Raiders Cornerback – Rock Ya-Sin
Full disclosure, I’ve had property on “Rock Ya-Sin Island” since he was being drafted out of Temple. He would begin his career with the Colts and be very serviceable (let’s ignore that rookie season) before being traded to Las Vegas this offseason in a swap for defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. Call me crazy—plenty of people do—but Ya-Sin should be the most steady corner on the roster this season for the Raiders. He won’t be a question mark due to health like Mullen. He’s accustomed to playing outside and he’s far removed from starters’ growing pains. Graham has the ability to transform Rock into THE Rock. Like, say, the trailblazing, eyebrow-raising Rock.
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*Top Photo: Jeff Haynes/Associated Press