Oakland Raiders: Five veterans who may not make the 53-man roster
By Kevin Saito
Yeah, Oakland’s cornerbacks group was really hard up for bodies after the release of the less-than-dynamic duo of Sean Smith and David Amerson. But, with getting Gareon Conley back (hopefully), and adding Rashaan Melvin to play opposite him, and then adding a few guys like Daryl Worley, Shareece Wright, Senquez Golson, and this year’s fourth-round draft pick Nick Nelson to the mix, things seem to be looking up.
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Wright has been unspectacular over his career, but could be a solid contributor in the slot. Worley has flashed some solid potential and very well could be the favorite to be the team’s nickel corner. Golson could have some serious potential, but he’s got to be able to stay healthy.
Oakland’s secondary though, is arguably already better than last year’s version, and could be an asset, rather than a liability.
So, where does Leon Hall fit into all of this? Short answer, he doesn’t.
We know Gruden loves his veterans, but a soon-to-be 34-year old cornerback, whose best days are clearly behind him, is pushing things a bit.
The reason for Hall’s presence is simple enough – he knows Oakland’s new DC Paul Guenther’s system inside and out, having played in it for a couple of seasons. Hall is there to teach that system to Oakland’s new group of corners. To show them how it’s done and what’s expected of them.
Basically, if the Raiders have to keep Hall on the roster – and then give him significant defensive snaps – something is very, very wrong with the secondary.
Having played for the Giants and the San Francisco 49ers the last two seasons – and making just three starts – it seems obvious that Hall is in a mentorship/teaching role with Oakland’s young corners. And once teaching time is over, Hall will be sent packing.