Las Vegas Raiders pre-training camp 53-man roster prediction

Las Vegas Raiders roster prediction: Defensive backs

(Safeties) Johnathon Abram, Trevon Moehrig, Tyree Gillespie, Duron Harmon, Dallin Leavit, Roderic Teamer,  (Cornerbacks) Anthony Averett, Trayvon Mullen, Rock Ya-Sin, Nate Hobbs, Darius Phillips, Chris Jones, Amik Robertson, Sam Webb, Bryce Cosby, Stanford Samuels, Cre’von Leblanc.

The Raiders’ secondary is concerning, almost more so than the offensive line. We can acknowledge that it was a mistake to let Casey Hayward leave in free agency as he thrived under former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s system.

The Raiders added some veterans in free agency that will be contributors and likely starters based on the lack of depth within the positional group.

Cornerback Trayvon Mullen and strong safety Johnathan Abram are on the final year of their contract and neither is a lock for an extension beyond 2022.

Both will start at their respective positions however it doesn’t seem far-fetched that former Baltimore Raven Anthony Averett could take the starting position from Mullen.

Rock Ya-Sin, who was acquired in a trade with the Colts for DE Yannick Ngakoue, should also see starting reps and be a solid contributor.

Slot cornerback Nate Hobbs had an excellent rookie season and if his off-field concerns could be quieted he is due for another productive season under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.

Free agent acquisition Duron Harmon will be an excellent depth piece as far as safeties go as well as free agent veteran corners Chris Jones and Darius Phillips.

Expect the front office to keep a significant amount of roster spots for the secondary due to injury and depth concerns.