What the Raiders Did Right This Offseason

Bradley Locker writes for Pro Football Focus , and he wrote an article breaking down the top 20 best free-agent signings heading into this season. The Raiders took a chance on former first-rounder Eric Stokes, and it has paid off big time for them. He's one of their best defensive backs in their secondary, and is actualizing his first-round potential in the Silver and Black.

"The former Packer has turned in a career season in the silver in black. His 72.3 PFF coverage grade is 16th among qualified corners, although he sits top-two in both snaps per target (10.6) and snaps per reception (19.1). Also, Stokes is fourth in WAR at the position (0.37). The Raiders are still in dire need of plenty more on both sides of the ball, but Stokes has played like an above-average cover corner worth retaining this spring", said Locker.

Stokes' signing will go under the radar, as it will be overshadowed by the Raiders' poor decision to sign and extend Geno Smith in the same offseason. He's certainly a player they must bring back next season, as he's still relatively young and can grow to be a pillar in their secondary for years to come.

He already has 46 tackles this season, which is second in his career for the most he's had, and the season isn't even over yet. He hasn't had an interception since his rookie season, but his five passes defended against are good for second-best in his career again.

Stokes has been doing all this with minimal help in the secondary, especially after Kyu Blu Kelly's injury kept him out for the season not too long ago. He's clearly their best cornerback on the right side of the field, and it would be a waste of their few good decisions this season to let him walk in free agency.

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