Key Takeaways:
– The Las Vegas Raiders could opt for a trade rather than a free agent to fill the cornerback position.
– Cleveland Browns’ cornerback Greg Newsome II is suggested as a potential trade target for the Raiders.
– Despite early struggles, the Raiders remain optimistic about rookie Jakorian Bennett.
– Veteran cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Xavien Howard could provide alternatives should the Raiders make a late adjustment.
Raiders Could Trade for Browns’ Greg Newsome II
With less than inspiring options emerging in the free agency sector, the Las Vegas Raiders could tackle their cornerback void via the trade market. Speculations are mounting that Cleveland Browns’ Greg Newsome II might be the Raiders’ target. Highlighted as a potential trade option by Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report, Newsome could boost Las Vegas’s secondary game.
Newsome, who was Browns’ first-round pick in 2021, known for his versatility, could bring an added edge to the Raiders’ team. He could combine forces with Raider’s existing players, enhancing their competitive prospects, especially in a division featuring standouts like Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. However, given his just decent performance to date, a third-round pick might be the asking price in a potential trade.
As Ballentine highlighted in his May 22 column, “The Browns are the rare team that has enough depth to trade a cornerback. Newsome could pair up with Jones to create a formidable duo. Playing in a division with Mahomes and Herbert, this move could well serve the Raiders’ future plans.”
Optimism around Jakorian Bennett’s Potential
Despite a rocky start to his NFL career, Las Vegas is still placing high hopes on their rookie cornerback, Jakorian Bennett. After a solid initial game, Bennett’s performance saw a decline, resulting in limited play opportunities. However, the Raiders’ defensive coordinator, Patrick Graham, still has faith in Bennett’s ability.
At his May 21 press conference, Graham emphasized on the importance of experience and study for Bennett’s development. He maintained that his potential is evident in his proactive approach to honing his craft. If Bennett can manage to turn things around, it could significantly boost the Raiders’ defense, although the true test of his progress will come in live games.
Potential Veteran Additions to the Team
While there’s plenty of time for the Raiders to make significant roster decisions, they aren’t ruling out adding veterans to the roster. If the team identifies a need for more experience at the cornerback position, Gilmore and Howard could be possibilities.
Both cornerback veterans make a compelling case, with Howard having a slight edge given his previous experience working with Graham during their tenure with the Miami Dolphins in 2019.
Regardless of the direction the Raiders choose to move in, their proactive approach to rectifying glaring shortcomings in their team affirms their commitment to a stronger season.