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Raiders All-World cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.
(Patrick A. Patterson/EXAMINER.com)
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As the camp battles series winds to its conclusion, it is time to focus on the defensive backfield. After the failure of the DeAngelo Hall experiment last season, Chris Johnson turned into a surprise complement for All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. The safety position, on the other hand, was far less settled. Former first round pick Michael Huff was benched, whilst special teams standout Hiram Eugene started.
Coming into 2009, the corner situation would seem to be settled, with Johnson and Asomugha as the starters. However, fifth year man Stanford Routt has been competing hard for Johnson's job. The safety position is more open, with youngsters Tyvon Branch and Mike Mitchell in the mix pushing for playing time and potential starting jobs.
Cornerbacks:
PROJECTED STARTERS: Nnamdi Asomugha and Chris Johnson
Nnamdi Asomugha is a two time All Pro selection, who started for the AFC squad in last year's Pro Bowl. He followed that up by becoming the highest paid defensive player (by season) in history to stay in Silver and Black. There is no way, barring injury, that Asomugha will ride the pine.
Chris Johnson was a complete surprise to most people outside the inner-sanctum of the Oakland Raiders when he took over for the departed DeAngelo Hall at the midpoint of last season. Johnson's play was everything that Hall could not deliver on.
Tom Cable's decision to give Stanford Routt reps as a starting corner and Johnson reps with the second team was very likely designed to avoid complacency more than any belief that Routt would beat out Johnson.
PROJECTED DEPTH:
Routt will likely assume the nickle-back position that he has played for much of his career in Silver and Black. Justin Miller's abilities as a return man and two touchdowns in 2008 in that capacity mean he will likely be on the 53 man roster and a reserve defensive back.
Safeties:
PROJECTED STARTERS:
Free safety: Hiram Eugene
Strong Safety: Tyvon Branch
Hiram Eugene was solid, but unspectacular as the starting safety in 2008. His niche is special teams, but has been better than serviceable when pressed into action. However, Michael Huff is his primary competition, and Eugene will nose out Huff again.
Mike Mitchell has shown that he has the skills, but he is still raw. Branch missed most of his rookie season due to injury, but he is further along in his development.
PROJECTED DEPTH:
Second round pick Mike Mitchell has been making strides in camp, and will likely be brought in as a box safety on running downs as well as used on special teams for his rookie year. When Keith Davis was cut in July, that cleared the path for Huff to spend another season in Silver and Black.
ON THE BUBBLE:
John Bowie can only keep a roster spot based on his status as the guy the Raiders got in the Randy Moss trade for so long. He has been unable to get off the trainer's table so far in his career, so this is his make or break year. So far he has been healthy, but he has not come close to standing out.
Jerome Boyd was an undrafted free agent that the Raiders are converting from linebacker to safety. He seems like a candidate for the practice squad.
Darrick Brown and Jason Horton are also fighting for the remaining "swing" reserve defensive back slots.
I will project a 53 man roster after the THIRD preseason game.
If you missed it, check out yesterday's slideshow from the Raider Nation Celebration.
You can also find Patrick Patterson on Thoughts from the Dark Side.
Thank you to Cal Bears Examiner, Rob Calonge, for his excellent team coverage of Training Camp.
Comments
Hay Pat we met you on Saturday at the RNC out in the parking lot while tailgating. The Bakersfield Raider Nation Club/ Thanks for takin some time out and chatin with us. Like we said were a NEW Club and just looking for some RAIDER LOVE. also lookin for a heads up (OTB) on Jerome Boyd he's a B-Town boy, grew up in LA went to Dorsey. I ran into his father at one of our functions and have been trying to get as much info as possible. Next time your out at practice give him a shout out from the BAKERSFIELD RAIDER NATION CLUB.Plenty of speed maybe a special teams wonder?
Like I said thanks for the vine and hope to keep in touch.
www.bakersfieldraidernationclub.com
Routt SHOULD be the starting corner not cj. He's bigger, faster, more skilled, and is a true Raider.
no way man chris j should definitely be our starter! i am also pushing for m and m and huff for the starting safety spots!
Should have moved Huff to corner. If he doesn't make it there say bye and cut your losses. Should have moved him to corner and kept veteren Kieth Davis to try for a spot. Hear he is a great special teams guy as well. Then you could have cut Bowie, Brown or Horton instead of Davis. At least he's proven that he can play safety at the NFL level. Sure he was a back up in Dallas, but your telling me he can't at least be a back up for us? I wasn't there and don't claim to be an NFL coach, but that seems like a bad move.
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