What condition Raiders position is in heading into 2019 training camp: Cornerback

Starters: Gareon Conley, Daryl Worley, Lamarcus Joyner (slot)

Backups: Nevin Lawson, Trayvon Mullen, Nick Nelson, Isaiah Johnson, DJ Killings, Isaiah Langley, Dylan Mabin, Keisean Nixon

Conley and Worley return as the starters, where they lined up the latter half of last season. Worley began last season serving a suspension and Conley was basically a rookie getting his shot at his first full season.

Over that second half, Conley came on strong. Worley had his moments. Both of them had to try and overcome no pass rush which led to receivers having way too much time for their routes to develop and get open. He is a highly aggressive corner who doesn’t shy away from contact. Gruden likes what he brings to the table and slapped a second round tender on him to keep him around.

Gone are the elders and journeymen. Here are free agent additions Lamarcus Joyner and Nevin Lawson.

Joyner was the team’s one big free agent signing on the defensive side of the ball. He plays slot corner and safety with equal proficiency, but the Raiders want him as their nickel corner. A wise choice and a much needed addition.

Lawson has a good deal of starting experience. The 5th year veteran started nearly every game the past three seasons in Detroit. He is stellar depth and is more than capable of stepping up to start if called upon.

That’s enough good corners for a dime defense, but the Raiders also drafted Trayvon Mullen at pick 40 to hopefully be the future at the position. The National Championship Defensive MVP could show skills early too and find his way on the field this season.

After those five, there is last year’s fourth round pick Nick Nelson and this year’s fourth round pick Isaiah Johnson. They will be given every chance to win a roster spot and round out the roster.

The others are roster hopefuls.

Condition: Strong

The depth at cornerback is stellar. It was already fairly deep before they decided to use two draft picks at the position. Conley showed well late last season and Joyner is a proven high end defensive back. Worley should have the other cornerback job secured and I expect he will hold his own at the position. If he doesn’t the team has the experience of Lawson and the potential of Mullen to step in as well. Nelson could take a step forward from his rookie season especially now that he is a year removed from the injury he suffered in pre-draft workouts. There is a lot to like about the cornerback group on this team.

Also see: QB I RB I WR I TE I OT I OG I C I DI I LB