Oakland Raiders: Five players to watch in preseason opener with the Lions
By Kevin Saito
Erik Harris (Safety)
You’ll probably be forgiven for saying – Erik Harris who?
After going undrafted out of California University of Pennsylvania and drawing no interest from NFL teams, Harris went north, signing with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He played two seasons in Canada before signing a futures contract with the New Orleans Saints.
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In October 2016 though, he tore his ACL and was later waived by New Orleans. He signed on with the Raiders prior to the 2017 season, and is back again this year.
Harris isn’t a name most are all that familiar with. He’s been buried on the depth chart at safety, and has contributed mostly on special teams.
But, as competition at all the positions has opened up under Gruden, Harris’ name is one that’s been flying around this summer. Grudne has fallen all over himself to praise Harris for his ability and skill, saying numerous times that he has a legit shot to be a starting safety for the Silver and Black.
That’s really something, given that the Raiders are pretty crowded back there with Reggie Nelson, Karl Joseph, Shalom Luani, Marcus Gilchrist, Dallin Leavitt, the recently signed Quincy Mauger, and the annually disappointing Melifonwu.
Obviously, some of these guys aren’t going to make the roster. Much of the talk over the summer has been about a starting tandem of Nelson and Joseph. Or perhaps Gilchrist or Joseph. Gilchrist’s versatility – his ability to drop down and play slot corner as well as safety – makes him a virtual lock for the roster.
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You would assume that based on his familiarity with DC Paul Guenther’s scheme, that Nelson is likely a lock. As is Joseph.
Which means that the others – Luani, Leavitt, Mauger, Melifonwu, and Harris – will be battling it out for a roster spot.
The safety position will be one of the summer’s more intriguing camp battles for the Raiders. And, at least, in the early going, Harris seems to be standing head and shoulders above the rest of the pack.