As the Las Vegas Raiders progress through their organized team activities, they are likely gaining a clearer understanding of the depth and capabilities of their cornerback unit. Cornerback has been identified as a positional need for the team throughout the offseason, yet little action has been taken to address it.
One possible reason for the lack of movement could be the team’s intention to acquire a veteran cornerback via free agency. Several quality cornerbacks remain available in free agency, and Matt Holder of Bleacher Report suggests that the Raiders should consider signing either Stephon Gilmore or Steven Nelson.
In a column dated May 25, Holder referenced a report by The Athletic’s Tashan Reed, stating that Las Vegas began OTAs with Brandon Facyson and Jakorian Bennett receiving first-team reps at cornerback. Facyson, who missed a significant portion of last season due to injury, and Bennett, who started the year as a starter but later found himself on the bench, are currently in contention for starting roles.
Certainly, it’s worth noting that Brandon Facyson and Jakorian Bennett were anticipated to compete for the starting position opposite Jack Jones. However, Jones missed practice this week due to an injury, as reported by Reed. Given Jones’s limited starting experience, the Raiders are left with a void for a proven No. 1 cornerback. At this juncture, Nelson or Gilmore would likely represent the front office’s most promising solutions to address this need.
Both Stephon Gilmore and Steven Nelson present compelling options for the Raiders. Gilmore, the more decorated of the two, boasts an impressive resume, having been named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 and earning five Pro Bowl selections. Despite being 33 years old, an age at which cornerbacks typically start to decline, Gilmore has demonstrated that he can still perform at a high level. Last season, he started all 17 games for the Dallas Cowboys, contributing to their top-five defense.
On the other hand, Steven Nelson may not have the same accolades as Gilmore, but he brings a wealth of experience to the table. With 115 career starts across four different teams, including the Houston Texans most recently, Nelson has proven himself as a reliable starter throughout his career. While he hasn’t earned Pro Bowl honors, he has consistently held down a starting role on every team he’s played for. At 31 years old, Nelson is slightly younger than Gilmore, which could factor into the decision-making process for the Raiders. Ultimately, the choice between Gilmore and Nelson may come down to factors such as playing style, fit within the defensive scheme, and contract considerations.
Signing Stephon Gilmore would indeed add a flashier dimension to the Raiders’ defense. His experience and success under the coaching of Bill Belichick, particularly during his tenure as Defensive Player of the Year, align well with the defensive philosophy of Patrick Graham. As a former disciple of Belichick, Graham’s defensive scheme likely shares similarities with the systems Gilmore thrived in under Belichick’s guidance. This familiarity could potentially facilitate Gilmore’s transition into the Raiders’ defense and enhance his impact on the team.
Xavien Howard certainly presents an intriguing option that Matt Holder did not address. His prior experience playing under Patrick Graham during their time together with the Miami Dolphins in 2019 could indeed facilitate a seamless transition into the Raiders’ defensive scheme. Howard’s familiarity with Graham’s system could potentially expedite his integration into the team’s defensive strategies.
At 30 years old, Howard still has plenty of football left in him, and his impressive track record speaks for itself. Leading the NFL in interceptions twice underscores his playmaking abilities and value as a shutdown corner. However, as you rightly pointed out, Howard’s injury history, particularly his recent foot injury that led to his release from the Dolphins, is a significant concern. While he only missed four games last season, teams may hesitate due to the potential long-term implications of his foot issues. Evaluating the risk associated with Howard’s injury history will be crucial for any team considering signing him.
Agreed, considering Xavien Howard’s track record as one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL, he could indeed be worth the risk despite his injury history. With his proven ability to impact games and his familiarity with Patrick Graham’s defensive system, Howard could potentially make an immediate and significant contribution to the Raiders’ defense. While he may command a higher price tag compared to Stephon Gilmore or Steven Nelson, his potential impact could outweigh the cost, especially if his price has decreased late in free agency. Ultimately, Howard’s fit within the team’s defensive scheme and his potential to elevate the secondary’s performance should be key considerations for the Raiders.