Raiders' Young Defensive Backfield Gradually Coming Along

This offseason, the Raiders retained veteran cornerback Eric Stokes and traded for veteran Taron Johnson. Then, Las Vegas drafted four additional defensive backs they believe will develop into significant contributors, some as soon as this season.

This is in addition to adding second-year cornerback Darien Porter in last year's draft. Las Vegas' current regime has prioritized at least trying to fix their issues at the position group, drafting five defensive backs in the past two seasons. Still, that is a lot of youth in a critical position group.

Raiders defensive backs coach Joe Woods recently shared his thoughts on where the unit stands as training camp winds down to its final two practices. The unit is a work in progress, with Las Vegas' first preseason game just a few days away.

“They're young. We have a young room, but I like it because I feel like I have the opportunity to mold those players, just in terms of what we're trying to do defensively. I think it's a group of guys that support each other. You can feel it's a close group, and like I said, there's a lot of talent there. Just got to keep working with them," Woods said following training camp.

The Urgency To Solidify the Position Group

The Raiders play in one of the best divisions in the National Football League. The AFC West has two of the best quarterbacks in the league in Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. Andy Reid and Mike McDaniel are two of the best offensive minds in the league as well.

Las Vegas has yet to figure out how to stop Bo Nix, after allowing him and the Broncos to score roughly 30 unanswered points during Nix's rookie season. They must figure out the rotation of cornerbacks that gives them the chance to compete against coaches and quarterbacks who will target the group.

In camp, Las Vegas' secondary has had its moments. The unit has made several plays and has come close to making even more. However, close is not good enough for a developing group of defenders. Woods wants the Raiders' defensive backs to secure turnovers.

"We've got to make plays when they're available for you. But the biggest thing for us is always playing your technique because if you play your technique, then the turnovers will come. So, we do a lot of ball drills, so that's definitely an area we need to improve from last year,” Woods said.

"I think we're making a lot of plays on the football in terms of the pass breakups. We want to pull them down. Like I said, the number one stat in terms of winning games is taking away the football." 

The Raiders have been among the worst teams in the league in turnover differential over the past three seasons. That is on the long list of many things the Raiders must change heading into the 2026 season. Forcing more turnovers will directly lead to more wins.

The Raiders are depending on an improved defensive line and linebacker corps to help compensate for the questions that still surround their defensive backfield. Las Vegas hopes a better pass rush will make life easier on the back end. Woods shared his vision for the unit.

“We're going to be aggressive in coverage. We may get a few penalties here and there, but you have to challenge people in order to get the ball. And I think we're heading in that direction. We've just got to come down and finish plays," Woods said. 

How the Raiders' defensive backfield performs this season will be something to keep an eye on, as the position group is the biggest question mark on the roster heading into the season.