Oakland Raiders: Projected 53-man depth chart for 2019 before OTAs

Cornerbacks

Gareon Conley, Trayvon Mullen, Daryl Worley, Nick Nelson, Isaiah Johnson (5)
Surprises: None
Notable Omissions: Nevin Lawson

The Raiders signed Lawson and double-dipped at cornerback within the first four rounds of this year’s draft. Mullen will battle Worley for starting reps on the perimeter opposite Conley.

Defensive back Lamarcus Joyner thinks he’s a good fit in the nickelback position, per Kyle Martin of the team’s official website.

"I love the nickel back position. It’s a natural, instinctual position for me. I get to do a lot of things. I’m great at tackling. I’m great at beating guys to the point. I’m great at covering. There’s a lot the nickel has tied up into its identity as a role that fits me, so I’m very excited."

Assuming Joyner takes a majority of his snaps inside, Lawson would fight for a role among the reserves. The Raiders invested fourth-round picks in Nelson and Johnson over the last two years. Both likely make the roster, but the rookie will probably take on an early role with the special teams unit.

Nelson displayed versatility during the 2018 preseason, lining up on the outside and in the slot. His development through the summer will dictate where he sees snaps as a backup for the upcoming campaign.

Johnson transitioned from wide receiver to cornerback during his junior term at Houston. He’s press-cover man with speed (4.4-second 40-yard time) and length 6-2, 208 pounds with 33″ arms; Guenther salivates over those physical traits.

Despite Johnson’s inexperience, there’s no way the Raiders leave on him on the practice squad for another team to swipe him.

The youth at cornerback in addition to Conley and Worley atop the depth chart leave Lawson a slim chance to earn a spot on the active roster if the Raiders go with five players at the position again this year.