Oakland Raiders: 6 Critical training camp battles to watch

Slot Cornerback

Nick Nelson vs. Daryl Worley vs. Marcus Gilchrist vs. Leon Hall

As NFL offenses spread defenses thin, a third cornerback or safety with solid coverage skills becomes an important component in nickel packages. Remember when D.J. Hayden, Keith McGill and T.J. Carrie listed as the trio of the future on the back end?

Well, it’s a new slate with Gareon Conley as the lead cover man and Rashaan Melvin attempting to build upon a strong 2017 campaign with the Indianapolis Colts. The No. 3 spot remains undetermined with a rookie in the mix.

The Raiders selected Wisconsin product Nick Nelson in the fourth round of April’s draft. He tore his meniscus at a pre-draft workout with the Detroit Lions, which kept him out of spring practices. He’s expected to participate in training camp, but it’s a steep climb to a starting role with veterans taking a head start during OTAs and minicamp.

Nelson has a future with the Raiders, but he’s going to play sparingly as a rookie. Leon Hall will make it through training camp to teach defensive coordinator Paul Guenther’s system. However, the 33-year old would likely hold a back-end spot on the depth chart if he makes the final 53-man roster.

Cornerback Daryl Worley and defensive back Marcus Gilchrist will battle for the spot as legitimate contenders. According to Pro Football Focus, the former played 23 snaps in the slot over the past two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, but he’s physical enough in his approach and a reliable tackler. The combination should pave the way for him on the inside. Worley picked off three passes and broke up 19 targets in 31 games.

Projected Winner: Daryl Worley