Oakland Raiders: A few possible FA targets for the frugal-minded

Rashaan Melvin (CB)

Melvin, to this point, has had a pretty up and down career.

Originally signed as a UDFA by Tampa Bay in 2013, Melvin was released about a year later. He hooked on with Miami’s practice squad and was then signed away by Baltimore after they had a string of injuries in their secondary.

Though he had some success in Baltimore, he also had some stunning failures and was again, released about a year later. After that, he bounced between Miami (again) and New England, before finally landing in Indianapolis, where he’s been for the last two years.

At six-foot-two, 193 pounds, Melvin is long and lean, and has plenty of speed.

With the Colts in 2017, Melvin was given his first chance to be a full-time starter. He started all ten games he played in, recording 36 tackles (30 solo), had 13 passes defensed, and had three interceptions – or you know, one more than all Oakland cornerbacks combined last season. In six fewer games.

With the Raiders releasing both David Amerson and Sean Smith – and letting T.J. Carrie test the open market – the team is left with Gareon Conley and Dexter McDonald on the depth chart. Conley, after practically redshirting his rookie year, is going to be asked to carry a huge load. And McDonald – well – special teams depth is always important, right?

Related Story: Either A Match Made In Heaven Or A Marriage From Hell

The point is, even if the Raiders go after (and land) Trumaine Johnson, they are still going to need more competent bodies in the cornerbacks room. Those cupboards are pretty bare.

Melvin has been up and down throughout his career, but he showed last season that given the chance to start, he can make plays.

He might be a nice complementary piece and never a CB1, but reliable depth is important. Especially when it comes with a relatively inexpensive price tag.