Another Raiders starter from last season in danger of losing spot

Very few things were set in stone with the Las Vegas Raiders defense following a mass exodus of talent in free agency in March.

However, what was expected was that third-year cornerback Jakorian Bennett would get one of the starting spots at cornerback. After a rough rookie season, Bennett rebounded to cut down on both completions allowed and passer rating against in his second year. Despite missing the final seven games of the season with a shoulder injury, the 2024 season could only be considered a success for Bennett.

As Bennett is hoping to return to play, however, it appears he has found a new roadblock in his path.

Bennett is running with the second team during OTAs.

While free agent addition Eric Stokes and third-round rookie Darien Porter are getting the bulk of their reps with the starters, Bennett is working with the second team.

Initial reactions would suggest Bennett is being handled lightly to rehab from injury, but The Athletic’s Tashan Reed suggested on the “Just Win” podcast that that is not the case.

“I don’t think it’s just because of the injury,” Reed said. “I think that’s part of it. According to his position coach, he said last week that he’s still working his way back from the shoulder injury. I think he’s looked pretty good in practice. I don’t think it’s a statement against him. He’s performing poorly or something like that.”

One of the major reasons Reed pointed out was that Bennett does not quite fit the size threshold that head coach Pete Carroll has for his defensive backs, whereas Stokes and Porter do.

“We’ve talked ad nauseum about the types of defensive backs that Pete Carroll likes and Jakorian Bennett is a little bit shorter for a Pete Carroll DB. He’s about 5’10. I think they list him at 5’11, but he’s more so 5’10.” Reed continued.

“Darien Porter is that lanky 6’3 build and even Eric Stokes is in between 6’1 and so I think he’s going to have to really ball out and separate himself from the other cornerbacks in order to get a starting spot with this defense.”

It is unclear if Stokes and Porter will be the starting duo for Week One against the New England Patriots, but Bennett’s situation does raise some concerns.

If Carroll prefers Stokes and Porter over Bennett, it is fair to wonder if the Raiders will consider dangling him in a trade for an upgrade at the position. The Raiders have been heavily linked to Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, as well as Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II. Either player would instantly become the top cornerback in Las Vegas, and a reduced role for Bennett could mean the team can sell him as an ascending asset.

With minicamp just a few days away, where Bennett ends up could be telling of how the new regime values him.