Oakland Raiders: 6 Players under the most pressure during offseason program

CB, Gareon Conley

As a first-round pick, fans and the coaching staff have their eyes fixated on cornerback Gareon Conley, who’s yet to show anything substantial on the professional level. He missed most of the previous offseason with a shin injury. The ailment lingered into the regular season and limited him to just 92 snaps.

Though he looked fluid in limited live action, it’s not enough to justify his first-round draft tag or a spot as a starter in the secondary. The Raiders need more tangible evidence that he can defend the boundary or the slot before hitching their hopes to him as a long-term asset for years to come.

Conley underwent surgery on his shin during the offseason. Gruden used the words “he’s extremely close,” but it’s wording Raiders fans have heard before in connection the cornerback’s recovery. Until he actually takes part in full practices, it sounds like pure optimism.

Nonetheless, he took part in the team’s minicamp walk-throughs. If he’s able to participate in OTAs without much restriction, there’s a reason to see more plenty of room for growth. Regardless, the Ohio State product is expected to take on a major role in defensive coordinator Paul Guenther’s defense.