Could Amik Robertson play at outside cornerback?

The 2021 season is a big one for second-season Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson.

Perhaps he will get a chance to prove himself in an unexpected fashion. There has been recent media speculation that Robertson could play at outside cornerback position under new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley because the coach liked his tape on the outside at Louisiana Tech.

Robertson has been earmarked as a slot cornerback since the Raiders drafted him in the fourth round in 2020. Robertson had a disappointing rookie season, he was on the field for just 35 defensive snaps and he often looked lost when he was playing.

I could see Robertson getting work at both outside and in the slot cornerback spots in training camp and in the preseason. I’d be surprised, though, if he became a full-time outside cornerback.

The Raiders have a crowded cornerback room and there is opportunity for a lot of players to emerge and get significant playing time. Being versatile will help. In addition to Robertson, Nevin Lawson, newly-signed veteran Casey Hayward (who also play on the outside) and fifth-round pick Nate Hobbs can also play on the slot.

Regardless of where is is playing, Robertson needs to make strides in 2021.