Oakland Raiders: Six UDFA’s Who Could Crack The 2017 53-Man Roster

Anthony Cioffi (DB)

It seems crazy to think that a team who can boast a cornerback tandem of Sean Smith and David Amerson would need some help, but that’s exactly what the Raiders need – help in the defensive backfield.

At the very least, they need some solid depth as they’re a little bit – thin – at the moment.

Cioffi brings not only his blazing speed and ballhawking skills to the Raiders, but also a very desirable versatility as well. He can play corner, he can play either safety spot, and he can also be a special teams ace – which is good, because if he makes the 53-man roster, he’s going to need to make his bones on special teams.

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The Raiders, as far as starters go, seem pretty well set in the defensive backfield – Smith and Amerson on the corners, first round pick Gareon Conley likely taking over slot corner duties, Karl Joseph at one safety spot, and likely Reggie Nelson at the other.

But with Nelson most definitely in the twilight of his career and a liability as often as an asset as Oakland’s last line of defense, there are no guarantees he even makes the 53.

Having drafted Obi Melifonwu and Shalom Luani to provide some depth at safety – with Melifonwu potentially even taking Nelson’s job – the Raiders might seem to be set up. And a roster spot for Cioffi too much of an uphill battle to be successful.

But, Cioffi is an athletic freak, can play multiple positions, and add some terrific depth to Oakland’s secondary. Depth that this team needs – especially if they part ways with Nelson.

There’s no question that Cioffi is going to have to battle and scrape if he wants to win a place on the 53-man roster. But it’s a battle that he could still win very easily by standing out in camp.