Raiders camp preview: Gareon Conley the key to new-look secondary

Gareon Conley is healthy and ready to start training camp. That’s an upgrade over this time last year, when he dealt with a shin injury that stole most of his season.

That’s why, in many ways, this is Conley’s rookie year. It’s his first real chance to realize vast potential. It’s almost like the Raiders get an extra first-round pick. If he plays well as expected, the Ohio State product will boost an overhauled secondary needing better from its defensive backs.

Conley should pair with free-agent acquisition Rashaan Melvin, who starts at the team’s No. 1 cornerback. There will be a battle to play slot cornerback (see below), with a safety rotation that includes Marcus Gilchrist, Reggie Nelson and Karl Joseph. Safeties are interchangeable in Paul Guenther’s defensive scheme, and he’ll play to his personnel’s strengths.

The Raiders signed four free agent cornerbacks, and some of them might not make the team. Head coach Jon Gruden wanted to create competition and options at that key spot, and there will be a battle for backup jobs. Daryl Worley is a talented guy and could push for playing time. Nick Nelson has a chance to make an immediate impact.

Who’s Here

Cornerbacks: Rashaan Melvin, Gareon Conley, Daryl Worley, Nick Nelson, Leon Hall, Shareece Wright, Dexter McDonald, Antonio Hamilton, Tevin Mitchel, Shaquille Richardson; Safeties: Reggie Nelson, Karl Joseph, Marcus Gilchrist, Obi Melifonwu, Shalom Luani, Erik Harris, Dallin Leavitt

Best Of The Bunch: Melvin

This distinction could easily go to Conley. He’s the most talented Raiders defensive back, but has to prove himself at this level. Due to injuries, he hasn’t done that yet.

Melvin, however, took on No. 1 receivers all last year and won more often than not. He was a wet blanket in 2017, with a 60.3 passer rating and 52 completion percentage against him.

Melvin’s free-agent market was lackluster, so he signed a one-year deal in Oakland. That makes this a prove-it year, and Melvin’s highly motivate to put a great foot forward.

Top Camp Battle: Hall vs. Nelson vs. Worley

The outside cornerbacks seem set. The slot man, however, remains an open competition. Secondary coach Derrick Ansley has options. Hall has been around a few blocks, with extensive experience playing inside.

Worley is just 23 and has real talent, but hasn’t played inside much. If he’s the third-best cover man, it’s possible Conley could slide inside when required and Worley could take his spot. We haven’t seen that much since Gruden’s hire, but Conley feels comfortable inside and could be a factor there.

Nelson is an unknown, especially after missing the offseason program recovering from a torn meniscus. Gruden has praised the fourth-round pick, who can play inside and should’ve been draft higher without an injury during a pre-draft workout. A solid should put him in the mix.

Also, don’t sleep on Gilchrist helping out in the slot. He’s a roving chess piece, capable of playing both safety spots and in the slot.

Long shot: Erik Harris

Harris built an NFL career on special teams, but might have a chance to carve a defensive role. Gruden praised Harris a few times during the offseason program, and gave him first-unit reps with some safeties hurt. He fared well in those opportunities, and must continue solid play to be in the defensive rotation.

He’s still behind several in a competitive position group, but Harris has a chance to become a trusted backup option.

Overview

The Raiders have tried and failed to find secondary stability from season to season, despite significant draft and capital investment. They’re going with a largely new group again this season hoping results will be different.

Getting interceptions will be key after defensive backs failed to grab any until the season’s final weeks.

Joseph must take a step forward. Nelson and Gilchrist must fill their roles well to anchor the back end and let edge rusher Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin do some damage up front.