Scott Boe asks:
"While we've seen reports of the battle for CB1 and CB2, what's the slot corner position looking like?"
There are many directions the team could go at nickel cornerback, but I have an interesting theory regarding who could win the job.
Pete Carroll is known for liking big, physical outside cornerbacks who can press up on the line of scrimmage. The Raiders added two players that fit that mold this offseason, signing Eric Stokes from the Green Bay Packers and drafting 6-foot-4 receiver turned defensive back Darien Porter. There's also Decamerion Richardson and Sam Webb, both standing at 6-foot-2 with starting experience in their young careers.
Taking into account size, speed and physicality, Jakorian Bennett would seem to be the perfect fit at nickel. He was enjoying an exceptional sophomore season, with eight pass deflections and holding opposing quarterbacks to a 52.3 completion percentage in coverage, before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.
"I was feeling good going into last year," Bennett said Tuesday. "I just felt confident, felt like when you get that experience, everything just kind of slows down. And I had a groups of guys that believed in me, and so this year, I'm trying to try to do the same thing. Keep my head and just keep working."
Kellan Britten asks:
"Will the Raiders sign Jaire Alexander?"
While we're already on the topic of the cornerback position, we might as well explore this possibility.
Jaire Alexander would add proven success to any team he signs with, as the two-time Pro Bowler has totaled a career 12 interceptions, 70 pass deflections and three forced fumbles. The 28-year-old would also add veteran presence and leadership to a young secondary, as he's appeared in seven playoff games in his career.
However, Alexander's physical stature at 5-foot-10 might be a concern considering what I previously stated about Carroll's preference at outside cornerback. Regardless, Alexander's instincts and aggressive style of play make him a viable option.
Armando Guzman asks:
"I know it's too early but who do you think can make the team out of the undrafted players we got?"
As you stated Armando, it is too early to tell without pads, but everyone is doing their best to compete for jobs.
While you're interested in knowing about this year's undrafted rookie free agents, I'd be remiss in not mentioning a few from last year that have a realistic chance in making the team. Amari Gainer has seen a high volume of reps with the second-team defense and Will Putnam has been getting action at backup center.
It's worth noting that cornerback Mello Dotson and linebacker Jailin Walker have seen some reps sprinkled in, but evaluating the UDFAs will be difficult until training camp gets into gear.
Get an inside look at the Silver and Black's first day of mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback John Humphrey (39) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jonathan Sutherland (40) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders center/guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Dalton Wagner (78) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (27) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jonathan Sutherland (40) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Justin Shorter (88) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tommy Mellott (19) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Mello Dotson (35) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Dalton Wagner (78) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. (32) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Michael Barrett (43) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Parker Clements (70) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (41) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0), wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) and linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Pat Conroy (86) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Chris Collier (33) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Zakhari Franklin (82) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Chris Collier (33), running back Ashton Jeanty (2) and running back Raheem Mostert (31) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Matt Jones (42) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders center/guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) and assistant defensive line coach Kenyon Jackson on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Hudson Clark (38) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Trey Taylor (37) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders assistant defensive line coach Kenyon Jackson and linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive tackle Treven Ma'ae (68) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders assistant defensive line coach Kenyon Jackson on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders run game coordinator/defensive line coach Rob Leonard and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders run game coordinator/defensive line coach Rob Leonard and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders run game coordinator/defensive line coach Rob Leonard and defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Gottlieb Ayedze (72) and tackle Dalton Wagner (78) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Dalton Wagner (78) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders center Will Putnam (67) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) and tackle Parker Clements (70) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tank Booker (73) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
The Las Vegas Raiders offensive linemen on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Gainer (53) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Mike Haynes and Head Coach Pete Carroll on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Ketron Jackson Jr. (85) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Ketron Jackson Jr. (85) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Matt Jones (42) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll and alumnus Mike Haynes on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Gainer (53) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive assistant/linebackers coach Ty McKenzie and linebacker Michael Barrett (43) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Michael Barrett (43) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Trey Taylor (37) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Mike Haynes speaks to the defensive backs on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. (32) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (27) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. (32) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Thomas Harper (34) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Thomas Harper (34) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterbacks coach Greg Olson on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive assistant/linebackers coach Ty McKenzie on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Laki Tasi (79) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Laki Tasi (79) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Trey Taylor (37) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Ketron Jackson Jr. (85) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Dalton Wagner (78) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Collin Johnson (17) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle JJ Pegues (92) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Eric Allen on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Mike Haynes on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) and punter AJ Cole (6) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Collin Johnson (17) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Charles Grant (60) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) on the field for mandatory minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
