Oakland Raiders undrafted free agents make strong impressions vs. Packers

CB Keisean Nixon

For those who have watched all three Raiders preseason games, you can see Keisean Nixon ‘d development toward his best game against the Packers Thursday. Quarterbacks have targeted him 15 times and he’s allowed just five receptions for 37 yards, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

Nixon put airtight coverage on wide receivers in the last outing. We also saw his enthusiasm after he batted passes away and locked down receivers.

The Raiders addressed the cornerback position this offseason, signing Lamarcus Joyner, who will line up primarily in the slot, and Nevin Lawson. The front office also selected Trayvon Mullen and Isaiah Johnson in the second and fourth rounds of April’s draft.

The league suspended Lawson four games for violating the performance-enhancing drug policy. Mullen only suited up for one preseason game, and Johnson suffered a concussion in the exhibition opener. Assuming they’re healthy, the two rookies should make the 53-man roster.

Because of cornerback Nick Nelson‘s subpar performance against the Packers, surrendering two touchdowns, and Lawson’s suspension, Nixon has a legitimate shot to claim a spot at cornerback.

Last year, the Raiders listed five cornerbacks on the final roster, plus Daryl Worley who didn’t count because he started the year serving a four-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

Keep an eye on Johnson’s recovery from a concussion. If the symptoms linger, he could end up on the physically unable to perform list, which gives Nixon a clear pathway to the 53-man depth chart.