Analyst points out interesting position battle for Raiders

When it comes to the 2025 season, the Las Vegas Raiders know who they can rely on to deliver serious production.

Defensive end Maxx Crosby and tight end Brock Bowers should both have outstanding seasons, while new additions such as quarterback Geno Smith and running back Ashton Jeanty should be helpful. However, teams with ambitions like the Raiders do need more contributors than the usual suspects to hit their goals. If the Raiders can get positive results from some of the more obscure parts of their roster, they will be in fantastic shape throughout the season.

One analyst has taken the time to discuss a somewhat-maligned part of the Raiders this year, suggesting the results could be pivotal towards deciding where the team fits in the NFL hierarchy.

The Raiders have one position clearly circled for training camp competition.

According to Pro Football Network’s Jacob Infante, the one position battle that draws his attention the most with the Raiders is at cornerback.

“Nate Hobbs and Jack Jones are no longer on the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving two starting cornerback spots open. Eric Stokes and Darien Porter were brought in this offseason, though Stokes was inconsistent in Green Bay, and Porter is a raw rookie,” wrote Infante.

“The Raiders brought the aforementioned two in to compete with carryovers from last year, Jakorian Bennett and Decamerion Richardson. Both are under 25 years old, but Bennett has graded below average in each of his two NFL seasons, per PFF. Richardson also struggled mightily in coverage as a rookie in 2024.”

In fairness, the Raiders have tried to shore up the secondary, but targets such as Jalen Ramsey and Shaquill Griffin have gone elsewhere this offseason.

The moves suggest that the Raiders are not done adding this offseason. Bennett enjoyed a promising 2024, but his stock might not be as high given his injury history and physical profile not matching what new head coach Pete Carroll usually prefers. If nothing happens, the Raiders may be forced to roll the dice with Stokes and Porter as starters at some point, which carries an immense amount of risk.

The clock is ticking for the Raiders to decide if they want to bring in another cornerback for training camp, or wait to see if a potential option comes along from camp cuts.