With free agency under a month away, it’s time to check in on the Raiders’ cornerback position to give it a condition of either Strong, Stable, Unstable, Serious, or Critical.
Starters: Jack Jones, Nate Hobbs, ?
Backups: Jakorian Bennett, Brandon Facyson, Tyler Hall, Sam Webb, Cornell Armstrong
Free Agents: Amik Robertson
Nickel corner Nate Hobbs playing the slot was the only constant among this group last season. The outside starters were originally looking like veterans Marcus Peters and Brandon Facyson. But Facyson got injured in camp and missed most of the season. So, Peters on the right side and rookie Jakorian Bennett on the left. Bennett would lose his starting job in Week four, giving way to Amik Robertson. Peters would lose his job altogether 12 games in and was replaced by newly signed Jack Jones.
Condition: Serious
Robertson began fitting in really well as a locker room presence and with some improved play at outside corner, but an upgrade is needed and he could be headed for free agency. Jones is good, but he’s not a number one corner. They need a bonafide number one cornerback to start on the outside to complete this group.