Antonio Pierce wants the Las Vegas Raiders to be a team that radiates confidence and swagger; a team that oozes machismo. The head coach places a high value on the team’s past and hopes to revive the arrogant, pre-war mindset of the Silver & Black championship teams.
In 2023, the Raiders’ defence undoubtedly displayed that self-assurance and swagger. And in comparison to the offence, the group will probably be ahead of the curve on that.
Head coach Pierce, who prioritises defence, retains defensive coordinator Patrick Graham as a key component of the recipe. Now, Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco must collaborate to offer Graham additional elements to work with in his role as the defensive play caller.
Cornerback is one position that would benefit from supplements. Jack Jones, an aggressive and self-assured cornerback, recorded back-to-back pick sixes in Weeks 13 and 14 against two division rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs, so the team did well to take him off waivers from the New England Patriots. Both were very compelling lessons learned, and in 2024, Las Vegas could definitely use more of those.
Talented talents in the upcoming NFL Draft have the potential to be standout players for the Raiders defence. Furthermore, Las Vegas could always need more depth and quality at cornerback, a position that has historically produced thieves.
Let’s examine this:
Top-Ranking Candidates
Iowa’s Cooper DeJean: Long before the 2024 NFL Draft, the 6-foot-1, 203-pound Hawkeye was projected as a first-round pick, and his 2023 performance did not quell the hype. The safety-built cornerback, who finished his junior year with 41 total tackles, two interceptions, and five passes defended, now has seven picks and thirteen pass deflections in his two seasons in Iowa. He has a well-built body that combines physicality, instincts, ball abilities, and tackling ability.
