Raiders work out DB Southward, DE Boyd, LB Thompson

In search of extra help on the defensive side of the football, today the Oakland Raiders worked out three players, according to a tweet from Adam Caplan:

#Raiders worked out former #Falcons S Dezmen Southward, DE Josh Boyd, LB Ron Thompson.

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) December 6, 2016

Southward is the most notable name here. He was a third-round pick of the Falcons in 2014, but after Dan Quinn was hired there he was switched from his natural position of safety to cornerback. Southward was waived after three games with Atlanta. He was then signed by the Indianapolis Colts and placed on their practice squad, but was waived from injured reserve this September. Obviously, he feels healthy enough to work out for a new team. No word on whether the Raiders would see him as a safety or as a corner.

Josh Boyd is a massive defensive end/tackle drafted by Green Bay out of Mississippi State in the fifth round of the 2014 Draft. Boyd was released by the Packers in May.

Ron Thompson was an undrafted free agent signed by Indianapolis after this year's draft. He was waived off of injured reserve earlier this year. It's possible the Raiders are looking for more players to put on their practice squad after promoting Antonio Hamilton, but if one of these players proves worthy they could get playing time in an exciting playoff hunt.