MORE POSITION REVIEWS: Quarterbacks
The 2019 Position Reviews kicked off with the quarterbacks and continues with the safeties.
More than any other position on the roster (possibly a tie with the wide receivers), the safety position experienced more turnover in the last six months than any other season I can recall in recent memory. Johnathan Abram got hurt after his first career game, Karl Joseph suffered a season-ending injury halfway through the year, and Daryl Worley started seeing reps at the position later in the season.
Those are just a few reasons why this position review should be interesting, so without further ado, let's get started.
Overview:
Entering the 2019 season, the front office and coaching staff knew they needed to improve in the back end of the defense if they wanted to take a step forward as a team.
First, General Manager Mike Mayock and Head Coach Jon Gruden signed a handful of versatile defensive backs with safety experience during free agency. The biggest splash was Lamarcus Joyner, who signed a four-year deal, and was accompanied by Curtis Riley, and the team brought back Erik Harris after signing him to an extension as well
Second, the Raiders used one of their three first-round picks to select Johnathan Abram No. 27 overall and bolster the safety position. Abram showed a lot of upside during training camp and the limited reps he saw during the preseason, but his season came to a premature end due to a year-ending shoulder injury.
Injuries were truly the biggest reason for all the turnover at the safety position this year; Abram was done after Week 1, Karl Joseph was finished midway through the year, and Lamarcus Joyner struggled to stay healthy with a calf issue most of the season. These injuries paved the way for guys like D.J. Swearinger to come in off the street and try to pick up the slack, but after not participating in minicamp, training camp, and much of the year, it prevented him from having a solid grasp of defensive coordinator Paul Guenther's system.
With open spots available, guys like Erik Harris – who led the team with four interceptions – Curtis Riley, and Dallin Leavitt stepped in to show the coaching staff what talent they possess. It'll be interesting to see how the team addresses this position in the offseason.
Number to Know:
Eight.
The Raiders had eight players play safety for them this year: Curtis Riley, Dallin Leavitt, D.J. Swearinger, Johnathan Abram, Daryl Worley, Lamarcus Joyner, and Erik Harris – goodness gracious.
Heading into next season, the Raiders will certainly try to make health a priority at this position (and every position) in order to avoid the depth issues they suffered late in the year.
Entering 2020…
Johnathan Abram – Under Contract
Lamarcus Joyner – Under Contract
Erik Harris – Under Contract
Dallin Leavitt – Exclusive-Rights Free Agent
Curtis Riley – Unrestricted Free Agent
Karl Joseph – Unrestricted Free Agent
Daryl Worley – Unrestricted Free Agent
During this week's episode of "Upon Further Review," Eddie Paskal and I wondered what the Raiders would do with Karl Joseph.
Joseph and Worley have both been in Guenther's system for two years now, and when healthy, each provided a veteran presence in the secondary. It will all come down to dollars and cents, but I hope the team can bring both players back, as they've proven to be reliable contributors.
One might expect the Raiders to take a safety in the 2020 NFL Draft, but after taking Abram last year and having Harris and Joyner under contract I think it's more likely they try to sign someone in free agency.
Position Group MVP:
In my humble opinion, he's the most underrated player in the AFC West and is someone that will do anything that's asked of him.
My position group MVP is Erik Harris.
The former employee of a potato chip factory has continued to see an increased role during his three years with the Raiders. After starting four games in 2018, Harris started 14 games in 2019 and played all 16 games. He set career highs in interceptions (3), touchdowns (2), passes defensed (8), and tackles (68). One could make the argument that Erik Harris should've been in the Pro Bowl debate, but all that matters is that his teammates and coaches value his importance.
Check out the best photos of all the Raiders' touchdowns during the 2019 season.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) rushes for a 7-yard touchdown during the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) celebrates after rushing for a 7-yard touchdown during the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Raiders wide receiver Keelan Doss (89) celebrates after making a 3-yard touchdown catcn during the Raiders preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Raiders wide receiver Ryan Grant (19) scores on a 13-yard touchdown catch during the Raiders preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Raiders wide receiver Ryan Grant (19) scores on a 13-yard touchdown catch during the Raiders preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Raiders wide receiver Rico Gafford (10) runs to the end zone on a 53-yard touchdown catch during the Raiders preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Raiders wide receiver Rico Gafford (10) is congratulated by guard Jonathan Cooper (70) and running back Doug Martin (22) after making a 53-yard touchdown catch during the Raiders preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Raiders wide receiver Rico Gafford (10) celebrates with safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) after making a 53-yard touchdown catch during the Raiders preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Raiders tight end Derek Carrier (85) makes a 2-yard touchdown catch during the Raiders preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Raiders running back Mack Brown (34) celebrates after rushing for a 3-yard touchdown during the Raiders preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Raiders fullback Keith Smith (41) scores on a 15-yard touchdown catch during the Raiders preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at IG Field.
Raiders fullback Keith Smith (41) celebrates after making a 15-yard touchdown catch during the Raiders preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at IG Field.
Raiders wide receiver De'Mornay Pierson-El (9) makes a 17-yard touchdown catch during the Raiders preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at IG Field.
Raiders running back James Butler (36) rushes for a 3-yard touchdown during the Raiders preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Raiders running back James Butler (36) celebration after rushing 3-yard for a touchdown during the Raiders preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) makes an 8-yard touchdown catch during the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 4-yard touchdown during the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrates in the stands after a rushing for a 4-yard touchdown during the Raiders regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) makes a 4-yard touchdown catch during the Raiders regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) scores on an 11-yard touchdown catch during the Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Raiders wide receiver J.J. Nelson (15) scores on a 29-yard touchdown catch during the Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) makes a 18-yard touchdown reception during the Raiders regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) makes a 18-yard touchdown reception during the Raiders regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) makes a 18-yard touchdown reception during the Raiders regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Raiders wide receiver Trevor Davis (11) heads to the end zone on a 60-yard touchdown run during the Raiders regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Raiders wide receiver Trevor Davis (11) heads to the end zone on a 60-yard run during the Raiders regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Raiders wide receiver Trevor Davis (11) celebrates after rushing for a 60-yard touchdown during the Raiders regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) celebrates after making a a 19-yard touchdown catch during the Raiders regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) intercepts a pass and returns it 30 yards for a touchdown during the Raiders regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 12-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 12-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) celebrates with tackle Kolton Miller (74) after a 3-yard touchdown run during the regular season game against the Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) dives into the end zone on a 10-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Green Bay Packers.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) dives into the end zone on a 10-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Green Bay Packers.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) celebrates after scoring on a 10-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Green Bay Packers.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) goes for a for a 7-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Green Bay Packers.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) makes a catch and takes it into the end zone for a 17-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Green Bay Packers.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) runs after making a catch for a 65-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Houston Texans.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) runs after making a catch for a 65-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Houston Texans.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) runs after making a catch for a 65-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Houston Texans.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) dives for the pylon for an 8-yard touchdown reception during the regular season game against the Houston Texans.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) runs after making a catch for a 46-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Houston Texans.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrates with fans after rushing for 3-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) celebrates after a 3-yard touchdown reception during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) makes a 9-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Detroit Lions.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) stiff arms the defender while returning an interception 56 yards for a touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) celebrates after returning an interception 56 yards for a touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) celebrates after returning an interception 56 yards for a touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45) runs after making a catch for a 9-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45) runs after making a catch for a 9-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45) celebrates after making a 9-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for an 18-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for an 18-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for an 18-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for an 18-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) makes a 2-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) makes a 2-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) dives into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown run during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) dives into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown run during the regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Raiders tight end Derek Carrier (85) makes a 4-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) rushes for a 14-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) rushes for a 14-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) is congratulated by wide receiver Keelan Doss (18) after rushing for a 14-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders wide receiver Rico Gafford (10) celebrates as he runs into the end zone on a 49-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) makes a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) is congratulated by fullback Alec Ingold (45) after a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) runs to the end zone on a 40-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) celebrates with fans after making a 40-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) makes a catch and takes it 56 yards for a touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) makes a catch and takes it 56 yards for a touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) runs to the end zone on a 56-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) rushes for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) rushes for a 5-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) rushes for a 5-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Denver Broncos.
