Last season the Oakland Raiders kept nine cornerbacks and safeties on the final 53 man roster. Part one of the cornerbacks series focused on four players the Raiders will count on this season and are in competition for the starting cornerback jobs. Part two will look at the competition for what may be the final defensive back job on the 53 man roster.
Pat Lee was signed as a free agent this offseason. The former second round 2008 NFL Draft pick out of Auburn played his whole career for Green Bay before signing with the Raiders. He played all 16 games for the Packers last season and has made one career start. He played in 11 games during the Packers Super Bowl run in 2010. The 6-0, 200 pound Lee is the favorite to be the last cornerback on the 53 man roster.
Bryan McCann was signed last season to replace an injured Chimdi Chekwa. The third year cornerback was played with the Cowboys and Ravens twice in his young career before joining the Raiders. Last season he appeared in seven games for the silver and black making three total tackles. The 5-11, 185 pound McCann must have a great camp and preseason to make the Raiders final roster.
Before Reggie McKenzie took the general manager job with the Raiders he was the head of player personnel for the Packers. During those years he evaluated Pat Lee and Brandon Underwood, who both became Raiders. Underwood will battle for the last roster spot. He missed all of last season but played in 11 games for the Packers in 2009 and another 12 games in 2010. The 6-1, 195 pound former sixth round pick will have much to overcome to make the Raiders.
Undrafted free agent Chaz Powell out of Penn State is an intriguing prospect. He has played wide receiver, cornerback, and kick returner in college. Powell is a versatile prospect which is important when competing for a roster spot. At Penn State the 6-1, 205 Powell caught 28 balls for 366 yards and three touchdown his sophomore season, He moved to cornerback and made two interceptions his senior year. Even if Powell doesn't make the final roster, he is a candidate for the practice squad.
Be sure to check out other great articles at Sports Media 101.
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