Raiders News: Free-Agent Signings, Draft Picks Could Improve Secondary In 2021

The Las Vegas Raiders are hoping that an improved defense can help the team get back to the playoffs. A weak secondary was as responsible as anything for Las Vegas’ losing record in 2020, and the Raiders are hoping a mix of veterans and young players can help the unit turn a corner in 2021.

Las Vegas is expected to have two new starters in the secondary for the upcoming season. The Raiders signed cornerback Casey Hayward in free agency and used their second-round draft pick on TCU safety Trevon Moehrig.

The Raiders know all too well how good Hayward can be, since he played for the Los Angeles Chargers in each of the last five seasons. Hayward was a Pro Bowl selection in both 2016 and 2017, recording 11 interceptions in those two seasons and establishing himself as one of the best players at his position.

Hayward has not been as productive in recent seasons, totaling three picks and 24 passes defended from 2018-2020. The 31-year-old has 42 total passes defended in his Pro-Bowl seasons, a sign that his best days are now behind him.

While the team brought in Hayward and re-signed veteran safety Karl Joseph, the Raiders are looking for few young players in the secondary to take a leap in 2021.

Trayvon Mullen, a second-round pick in 2019, is slated to start at Las Vegas’ other cornerback spot. Safety Johnathan Abram was selected one round ahead of Mullen and is looking to improve in his third NFL season.

Abram was limited to one game as a rookie because of a shoulder injury, and he missed three contests last year. Known for his big hits and his struggles in coverage, Abram is looking to shine in new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s system.

“Things are going pretty good,” Abram said, via The Athletic, during the first few days of OTAs. “I’m pretty much going down to what they call a box safety, strong safety. It’s interesting going from what we went to last year, playing a lot of split safety, playing high. This, I feel like, is going to be more suitable to my talents and my strengths.”

Moehrig comes to Las Vegas with loft expectations. The No. 43 overall pick was projected to be taken in the first round of numerous mock drafts.

The Raiders will have to perform much better against the pass if they want to make their second playoff appearance since 2003. Las Vegas ranked 26th in total pass defense in 2020, and only four teams had fewer interceptions. Getting more pressure on the quarterback could be key, considering the Raiders were just 29th in sacks.

With Patrick Mahomes and an improving Justin Herbert in the same division, the Raiders’ secondary will be tested in their biggest games of the 2021 season.