This year the Raiders are being regarded as having the best corner tandem this side of Jammer/Cromartie. We also have the best nickel corner (in my opinion) in Stanford Routt. There's also names like Huff and Wilson playing safety. The Raiders should have the best pass defense this year.

1. Nnamdi Asomugha- Asomugha is absolutely amazing. Usually "shutdown" corners aren't as fast as most corners are, but Nnamdi definitely has some speed to him. But he also has the moves and intelligence to be the best shutdown corner I've ever seen for the Raiders since Woodson's early years. With Hall beside him, Nnamdi should see more passes his way. And as we all saw in camp on several occasions, he makes the interception anytime the ball comes way. However in preseason, Nnamdi wasn't on the field for more than a drive. So don't be discouraged by his 0 INT's in preseason. Nnamdi is a pro Bowl guy, but until he sees more than 30 passes, he'll never have the numbers to show it. Grade: A+

2. DeAngelo Hall- Hall is without a doubt, one of the fastest corners in the league. Hall can keep up with anybody, but he doesn't play tight enough. A lot of passes got by him in camp and in the preseason. Hall needs to tighten up a bit. But until then, he's a definite improvement over Washington. I like his attitude and passion on the field, even though some times it gets in the way of his judgement. Anytime Hall gets the ball in his hands, he can take it back for six using his speed and elusiveness. Kiffin has repeatedly mentioned Hall's tackling ability to be used to help against the run. I think Hall is one of the most complete corners out there and a major help to the team. Grade: A-

3. Stanford Routt- Not a common household name, Routt is nevertheless the real deal as the being probably the best nickel corner in the NFL. Routt brings a lot of speed to the table and the same ability as Hall to take one back for six if given the opportunity. Stanford will see several passes his way with QB's avoiding the starting corners by any means possible. Routt is without a doubt a real threat on this team. Grade: A+, keep in mind, that's A+ as a nickel

4. Chris Johnson- well at least it's not Michael Waddell. But Johnson, like every corner for Oakland, has good speed. He's also noticeably better than Waddell and plays tighter than Michael. I would still prefer we had a better dime corner, but Johnson isn't as bad as most think. Grade: C+

Free Safety:

1. Michael Huff- Huff is back in his natural position and playing the best I've ever seen him play. He's really having fun out there and playing with passion. He was close to several INT's in preseason (I think he got one, someone tell me if that's right). What I loved most about him in preseason, was on a play where Wilson was beat out and his man was open. Huff saw it and committed to the play, cutting all the way across the field and nearly intercepting the pass. Huff will see several passes his way, and with his coverage skills, means more than the one INT of last year. Huff is also a sure tackler and can help double a receiver effectively. Grade: B+

2. Hiram Eugene- Eugene is an exact copy of Stu. But I like Eugene better for some reason. He seems to play with more purpose than what Stu did. He's fast, yet can't tackle to save his life. He seems slightly improved in the category over Stu. And unlike Stu, he actually has a job. Grade: C

Strong Safety:

1. Gibril Wilson- I like Wilson. He's a leader with Super Bowl experience. He's one of the best tacklers at safety this side of Polamalu or Sanders. But don't underestimate his coverage skills either. Wilson looks like the second coming of Jack Tatum, loving up the big hit. If he sees the chance to flatten somebody, he doesn't let it go to waste. Wilson automatically makes the defense better without ever having done anything, just by moving Huff to FS and bringing experience and leadership. Huff and Wilson are communicating very well on the field and it looks like this will be our best free agent signing. Grade: A

2. Tyvon Branch- Even with a broken hand, Branch isn't that bad. Branch is a big hitter (and he's learning form one of the best in Wilson) and has a lot of speed. All this with the previously mentioned broken hand. Once he's back to 100% he'll be even more of a force. Grade: C+

Grade: A+

Special Teams:

Kicker:

Sebastian Janikowski- Sea Bass has a heck of a leg. On his Sports Science TV debut, he was brought in simply because he has the strongest leg in the NFL. Measuring his kick strength, he averages 53.1 yards on every kick. That's amazing. But he lacks accuracy. If he actually felt like working on his accuracy, he could be the best kicker in the league. Grade: B+

Punter:

Shane Lechler- The team's lone Pro Bowler, you all know what to expect from him. Consistent leg strength and accuracy. One of the best punters in Oakland history (I think Ray Guy is still better) and the best punter in the NFL, he'll continue to have good seasons, no matter how little we want him on the field. Grade: A+

Kick returner:

Tyvon Branch- If he isn't starting, please tell me so i can fix this. From what little we've seen of branch, he looks to have a good future as our kick returner. With a good combination of size, strength, speed, and moves, we may have a kick return for a touchdown sooner than one might think. Give him a year or two, and he'll a very consistent kick returner. Grade: B

Punt return:

Johnnie Lee higgins- Higgins is better than he was last year and should have this position all year. Higgins has good speed and moves. But he needs to work on arm mechanics for holding the ball. Fumbling in preseason hopefully won't transfer over to the regular season. If he can avoid the mistakes of the titans game, Higgins could evolve into a good punt return man. Grade: B-

Grade: B+