Raiders are already starting to experiment at OTAs just in case a worst-case scenario ends up happening
The Las Vegas Raiders are preparing for the possibility that one of their starters may not be ready for training camp.
The Las Vegas Raiders are facing a challenge: one of their projected starters has missed all OTAs. While attendance isn’t mandatory, players are strongly encouraged to participate.
Reports suggest that new Raiders defensive back Taron Johnson is seeking more guaranteed money, which likely explains his absence from OTAs. Vegas traded for him this offseason, and his elite potential when healthy makes this a concern. Fans are worried about whether he’ll be ready for training camp, especially since he is expected to start at nickel.
So, the Raiders have begun experimenting without Johnson. On the roster, there are only two guys whose sole position is nickel: Johnson and Greedy Vance. However, some of the guys in the safety room do have experience there.
According to Sam Warren of The Athletic, during Thursday’s media viewing of practice, Vegas rotated Jeremy Chinn and rookie safety Treydan Stukes, with the interchanging at nickel and safety. Warren also noted that Isaiah Pola-Mao was the other deep safety with the group.
If Johnson stays away and no deal is reached, the Raiders must address the nickel position. This is what they’re trying to figure out. They might promote Vance, who played well as an undrafted free agent last season, or move a starting safety into the nickel role. Johnson skipping training camp due to contract issues would be concerning. For now, there’s no cause for worry. Discussions are likely ongoing.
Raiders have plenty of options to replace Taron Johnson for the time being
Vance didn’t play much, but he did end up playing 66 snaps, was targeted 7 times with only 4 catches allowed for 47 yards, and faced 94 intended air yards. Or do Treydan Stukes and Dalton Johnson, rookie safeties, fill the backup nickel spot, opting for another boundary corner when it’s time to choose who they keep on their 53-man roster cuts? Johnson has 441 career slot snaps in college. Doing that takes them away from being the center fielders the Raiders likely love them as in this scheme.
Although Isaiah Pola-Mao did play 102 slot snaps last season, according to Pro Football Focus. And, according to Sports Info Solutions, he was targeted five times while in the slot, allowed two catches for 12 yards, and had an interception. So, maybe he takes on that role. Chinn also has experience, but he’s been known to struggle in coverage, even against bigger players like tight ends.
This will be an ongoing thing the Raiders have to test. But, they have already begun to experiment.