2017 Raiders Free Agent Preview: Slot CB Captain Munnerlyn
Many believe the Raiders will let underwhelming cornerback DJ Hayden walk. After being selected in the 1st-round of the 2013 draft, Hayden struggled to stay on the field. Hayden played in the nickel last season. Immediately, David Amerson and Sean Smith performed better. Plus, if Hayden did re-sign with the team, GM Reggie Mackenzie will surely look to upgrade the cornerback position. The Raiders could draft a CB in the early rounds, or they could sign a veteran free agent like Captain Munnerlyn.
At 28, Munnerlyn can play few more good years. His durability is pronounced. Notably, Munnerlyn missed five games in eight seasons. After three solid campaigns in Minnesota, experts feel that the Vikings will allow him to test free agency. At the same time, Minnesota opted to go with 2016 2nd-round selection Mackensie Alexander. Munnerlyn is a consummate professional on and off the field. This should make him attractive to Reggie Mackenzie. Although he didn’t snare a single interception in 2016, he still is an upgrade over Hayden. Plus, he won’t command a huge salary, which should at least make him attractive to the Raiders. With Derek Carr and Khalil Mack looking to cash in, McKenzie will place cost-effectiveness high on the list.
Without a doubt, Munnerlyn’s role in the Raiders defense would focus around the slot corner. The Raiders face Cole Beasley, Jordan Matthews, and Jamison Crowder in 2017. Under those circumstances, the need for a quality slot corner increases. Munnerlyn matches up well versus those three.
Granted, the Raiders have greater needs at the linebacker and defensive tackle, they should sign a stop-gap cornerback like Munnerlyn. As a result, this provides the rookie CB with sufficient time to develop. If Reggie Mackenzie succeeds in addressing these other needs, Captain Munnerlyn could provide what the Raiders are seeking. Without delay, he makes the secondary better.
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