Oakland Raiders: Final rankings of team needs before 2018 NFL Draft

4. Nickelback

In today’s NFL, the nickelback isn’t a reserve player who sees the field for less than 40 percent of the defensive snaps. As quarterbacks rack up yards through the air, coordinators must counter with versatile defenders on the back end.

Oakland didn’t retain its veteran cornerbacks: Sean Smith, David Amerson and T.J. Carrie. After missing nearly his entire rookie season, Conley goes into his sophomore year with high expectations. He lined up for just 92 snaps due to a shin injury, which later required surgery.

Cornerback Rashaan Melvin signed a one-year deal, and he’s expected to man the perimeter.

At safety, Karl Joseph goes into his third campaign. There’s no timetable on Obi Melifonwu after he underwent hip surgery during the previous season. The front office re-signed Reggie Nelson, who will likely hold the starting spot until a young player proves something to the coaching staff.

At the moment, eighth-year defensive back Marcus Gilchrist will likely play the nickelback role as the fifth defender in the secondary. It’s worth noting, he isn’t a lock to make the final roster either. The 29-year-old should keep the depth chart position warm for Melifonwu or an early pick in the draft.

Ideally, the Raiders could go with a cornerback to fill the need, but a safety with above average coverage skills would suffice. There’s a chance that either or both Derwin James and Minkah Fitzpatrick fall to No. 10 in the draft process.

If both remain, defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley, who held the same position with Alabama over the past two years, would probably pound the table for Fitzpatrick.