Oakland Raiders: Way-too-early 53-man roster predictions

Cornerbacks

Roster: Gareon Conley, Daryl Worley, Trayvon Mullen, Isaiah Johnson, Nick Nelson (5)

Cuts: Nevin Lawson, Makinton Dorleant, Montrel Meander, Keisean Nixon, Dylan Mabin (5)

Don’t look now but the Raiders cornerback depth chart is suddenly looking pretty deep. Gareon Conley has emerged as the team’s best coverage corner in years — perhaps since the years of Nnamdi Asomugha.

While the job opposite Conley on the boundary is up for grabs, there is no shortage of viable candidates. Veteran Daryl Worley might enter training camp with a leg up but don’t count out the versatile Nick Nelson or even second-round rookie Trayvon Mullen. Fourth-rounder Isaiah Johnson should also secure a roster spot although it’s unlikely he pushes for a starting role.

Perhaps the biggest surprise cut is former Detroit Lions nickel corner Nevin Lawson. With Lamarcus Joyner‘s — more on him shortly — ability to play the slot, Lawson could find himself expendable at the expense of other, more talented corners.

Joyner could occupy the slot as Guenther moves him around all over on defense. Nelson has also shown the ability to operate from the inside meaning that the Raiders have options outside of Lawson who could be cut with little dead cap.