Oakland Raiders: Ranking biggest team needs in 2019 NFL Draft

5. Safety

The Raiders haven’t rostered a solid safety who can erase plays over the top since Reggie Nelson‘s first year with the club in 2016. That year, the veteran defensive back swiped five interceptions, many of those of happened on late-half or end-game heaves, but he also broke up 12 passes.

Opposing passers recorded 10.7 yards per completion and 12.9 yards per completion against the Raiders in the last two years, which ranked 18th and last respectively, per Team Rankings. Quarterbacks have been able to attack the unit over the top or playmakers extended receptions after the catch.

In three seasons, Karl Joseph flashed his presence closer to the line of scrimmage. He’s a reliable tackler with the ability to pressure the pocket on designed blitzes, but the West Virginia product logged just one interception every year and his pass breakups dropped from six to four to two in his three terms.

Erik Harris showcased his coverage ability during the 2018 term, recording two interceptions and seven pass breakups. At 29 years old, it’s possible we may have seen him at his best last year. On the surface, he doesn’t have a high ceiling.

The front office signed Curtis Riley, who picked off four passes last year with the New York Giants, but he’s a liability when expected to make a stop on the action. He missed an alarming 23 tackles in 2018, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

The Raiders don’t have a complete high-upside safety on the roster. The coaching staff can shift Joyner to that spot, but he’s expected to serve as the primary slot cornerback.

Though it’s not discussed at length, the Raiders could select a safety with high-end coverage skills and tackling technique to shore up the secondary early in the draft.