The Las Vegas Raiders knew their safety play needed to improve after a rough showing in 2022, so they made moves at that position.
One of the biggest moves they made in free agency was signing Marcus Epps to a two-year contract. Epps played over 1,000 snaps last season for the NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles.
They also selected Georgia’s Christopher Smith II in the 2023 NFL Draft. These additions at safety should be helpful to third-year Raider Tre’von Moehrig, the Raiders’ secondary, and the Raiders’ defense overall.
Taking a closer look at the duo that is expected to play the most snaps, Moehrig and Epps, this combination has a chance to be one of the better safety duos in the NFL. Moehrig was a second round pick in 2021, but had a bit of a sophomore slump in 2022 due to several circumstances.
Now, Epps is by his side to take some of the pressure off. Epps thrives as both a run stopper and a coverage safety, the latter being something the Raiders focused on improving this offseason.
With the elite offenses the Raiders will face week after week, especially the wide receivers, these two safeties will have their work cut out for them. The Raiders’ defense has a much greater chance to reach their ceiling if these two safeties are playing at a high level, especially Moehrig, who enters a pivotal third season.
Moehrig has a lot of talent. He was a second round pick for a reason. It’s now up to him to put it all together. He has great football IQ, athleticism, and tackling prowess. Last season, those things did not come together. If they do in 2023, he and the Raiders’ defense will be much better, but it has to happen on the field.
For Epps, it’s about maintaining the consistent play he found last season. Epps was a key piece on one of the best defenses in the NFL, so if he can either maintain that level of play or even surpass it, the Raiders’ secondary would be much better for it.
The Raiders have two talented safeties who, at their best, can elevate the Raiders’ defense to a whole new level if they reach their individual ceilings.
The Las Vegas Raiders open training camp for the entire team on July 25, 2023.
The Silver and Black open the preseason by hosting the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Aug. 13, at 4 p.m. EDT/1 p.m. PDT.
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