Insider entertains interesting idea for Jakorian Bennett

The offseason has been strange for third-year cornerback Jakorian Bennett.

Despite showing some promise last season, Bennett was one of the big losers of the offseason for the Las Vegas Raiders. New head coach Pete Carroll typically values bigger defensive backs, and the five-foot-eleven Bennett does not quite meet that threshold. He has worked behind Eric Stokes and Darien Porter this offseason on the boundary, and he could potentially be dangled in a trade for a more established cornerback if the Raiders want to improve at the position.

However, one insider responded to a pitch that could give Bennett the chance to prove himself at another spot on defense.

Bennett could be the answer for a problem that the Raiders have yet to truly address.

In a weekly mailbag, Raiders insider Matt Holder discussed an idea from a fan to try Bennett out as a slot cornerback, potentially replacing Nate Hobbs.

“This is something I’ve been thinking about recently, and if Bennett is going to be working with the second team as a boundary corner, I don’t see why the coaching staff wouldn’t try him at nickel this summer,” Holder responded.

“As you pointed out, Bennett doesn’t fit the Carroll mold on the outside, but he does have decent size for a nickelback. Also, I think he has the quickness and change-of-direction skills to cover the shorter routes on the inside.”

Despite that, Holder also admits that Bennett does not have the experience as a slot cornerback, and his tackling issues could pose a problem at a position that requires versatility.

“According to Pro Football Focus, Bennett did take 228 snaps at nickel in college but was predominantly on the boundary with 1,305 snaps there. PFF also has him with 15 missed tackles at a 22.4 percent rate in the pros, and that was part of the reason he got benched as a rookie. With one less linebacker on the field in nickel personnel, defenses rely on the slot corner to provide run support and tackle, which isn’t his strong suit,” Holder continued.

However, Holder added that Bennett can get some reps in the slot during training camp and the preseason, while his tackling is something that can be cleaned up regardless of where he fits on defense.

If Carroll and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham are willing to get creative and give Bennett a chance inside, a strong season could see the young cornerback’s stock soar higher than before.