As we inch closer to the beginning of the 2022 NFL season, the Las Vegas Raiders have looked impressive through their first two preseason games. Raider Nation is ecstatic after two wins in two games, and for good reason. A lot of players around the field have impressed, but if the Raiders truly want to take the next step this season, they’ll need some more help on defense. Here are a couple of players the Raiders should look at before the beginning of the season.
Raiders’ Free Agency Target No. 1 – Raleigh Texada, CB
This one is more of a depth piece, but Raleigh Texada is a name to keep an eye on. The young cornerback went undrafted in this year’s draft. Since then, he’s worked out for the Green Bay Packers and Miami Dolphins. Texada finished his collegiate career at Baylor, where he recorded 142 tackles, two sacks, and three interceptions. Last year, in his final season, Texada recorded 34 tackles, with two of those for a loss and one sack.
The Raiders don’t necessarily need help at cornerback, but their depth at the position is rather suspect. Some injuries have already hit the squad, despite Trayvon Mullen and Rock Ya-Sin returning to practice today. Anthony Averett is still nursing an injury, so possibly adding another corner isn’t too farfetched.
The Raiders seem happy to wait for the position to get healthy again. For some immediate depth help, though, Las Vegas should kick the tires on Texada before another team snags him.
Raiders’ Free Agency Target No. 2 – Sheldon Richardson, DT
As far as the defensive tackle position, Sheldon Richardson is a name the Raiders should be taking a look at. Richardson was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2013 draft, and he’s spent time with the Jets, Cleveland Browns, Seattle Seahawks, and two stints with the Minnesota Vikings.
Richardson is admittedly past his prime, but the bottom line is that he is still a very talented player. The Raiders have some age on their defense, but a large majority of the squad is made up of young players. Richardson can bring mentorship to many of the young players on this roster. His skills and experience would give the Raiders’ defensive line some depth and a short-term boost while the young players develop.
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*Top Photo: Baylor Football
