What condition the position is in: Assessing Raiders level of need at safety ahead of NFL Draft
We take a look at the safety position for the Raiders as the draft approaches to give it a condition of either Strong, Stable, Unstable, Serious, or Critical.
Current projected starters: Tre’von Moehrig, Marcus Epps
Depth: Jaquan Johnson, Roderic Teamer, Isaiah Pola-Mao, Jalen Elliott
This time last year, it was former first round pick Johnathan Abram and second round pick Tre’von Moehrig set to start at the two safety spots.
It would be Abram’s final season due to his rookie deal not being picked up. And he didn’t even make it through that season before being released. The former 27th overall pick was waived on November 8.
His release moved veteran Duron Harmon into a starting role and after the season the Raiders didn’t re-sign him. Thus leaving the position wide open.
To fill that spot opposite Moehrig, the team signed former Eagles’ starting safety Marcus Epps. They also added depth in Jaquan Johnson and brought back Roderick Teamer.
Condition: Stable
The above starters and backups along with undrafted Isaiah Pola-Mao – who showed some flashes as a rookie last season – the Raiders can probably get by with what they have at the safety spot, while keeping an eye out for some value additions on day three.
