Oakland Raiders: 3 Sleeper contributors who could impact the 2019 season

S Erik Harris

With all the talk about safety Karl Joseph‘s contract and the Johnathan Abram’s arrival, Erik Harris’ solid 2018 campaign doesn’t receive enough attention. In two seasons, Harris worked his way into a decent defensive role in the secondary. He lined up for three defensive snaps during the 2017 term and 433 defensive snaps while taking part in 84.88 percent of plays on special teams last year.

More importantly, Harris produced in his first season as a rotational safety, recording 36 solo tackles, seven pass breakups and two interceptions. He’s not the most athletic defender in the secondary, but 29-year old can read and react to plays, allowing him to disrupt the passing attack.

In the upcoming term, Abram will likely play most of the snaps at safety with Joseph and Harris rotating alongside him. LaMarcus Joyner could see time at the position when he’s not lining up in the slot.

Last year, Harris only played 42.12 percent of the defensive snaps; he doesn’t need a full-time starting role to impact games. If anything, the third-year veteran has earned more snaps because of his play in 2018.

If the Raiders opt to trade Joseph or he continues to take the field in a rotation, Harris may have a chance to build off a decent season. The 6-3, 225-pounder possesses the size to battle tight ends downfield and step into the box to supplement the run defense. Guenther may have a late-bloomer in the secondary who deserves more time on the field as the season progresses.