Oakland Raiders Rumors: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in a safety role?

The Oakland Raiders have some uncertainties at safety, could Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie have a major role at the position?

The Oakland Raiders will need to sort out the safety spots before Week 1. It’s possible Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie could see time at the position.

The Athletic’s Vic Tafur expects the Raiders to give Rodgers-Cromartie a shot at safety, which makes sense after former Paul Guenther pupil George Iloka signed with the Minnesota Vikings. The Raiders had interest in him, per Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Michael Gehlken.

The New York Giants intended to move Rodgers-Cromartie to safety before his release in March, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The 32-year old provides coverage range across the defensive backfield and consistently makes plays on the football. He’s logged 30 interceptions in 10 seasons.

At this stage in Rodgers-Cromartie’s career, the center field position would allow him to focus on preventing chunks plays over the top—something the Raiders struggled to do in previous seasons. If he picks up the role seamlessly, it’s an upgrade.

Karl Joseph has lined up as a strong safety closer to the box over the last two seasons. Marcus Gilchrist provides versatility, but he’s not a standout defensive back with a track record of forcing several turnovers in a single season.

The 29-year old has recorded three interceptions in one term once in seven years. Reggie Nelson didn’t fare well in center field last year. Furthermore, the 12-year veteran goes into his age-35 campaign. Oakland waived Obi Melifonwu, but he cleared waivers and remains on the team’s injured reserve list.

Rodgers-Cromartie’s ability to track the football gives the Raiders a chance to come up with critical stops and flip the field with takeaways.

Currently, the cornerback spot looks stacked with potential, starting with Rashaan Melvin and Gareon Conley on the boundary. Daryl Worley has two years of starting experience with the Carolina Panthers. Nick Nelson flashed during the preseason in the slot. Antonio Hamilton has been solid when on the field, largely shutting down his man. He sat out with an ankle injury against the Green Bay Packers Friday.

Rodgers-Cromartie has already shown versatility in the past with the Giants, lining up in the slot and on the boundary. If he’s not a natural fit at safety, it shouldn’t surprise anyone to see him on the inside and outside during the season. He’s an alternative in case Nelson struggles as a rookie and insurance for Conley, who’s dealt with injuries over the last year.