Not much has been said about the Las Vegas Raiders’ secondary coming into this season. In particular, there will be a lot of pressure on the team’s cornerback trio of Jack Jones, Jakorian Bennett and Nate Hobbs.
Last season, Raiders corners only accounted for six interceptions, and creating opportunities and shortening the field for their offense is a must. There might be some concerns for the Raiders’ back end this season, but that certainly isn’t coming from anyone within the building.
Hobbs in particular has a ton of praise for his brothers in the secondary, believing that when Jones is locked in he can be one of the top cornerbacks in the entire NFL, via Raiders News Wire’s own Ryan Ward:
Nate Hobbs on Jack Jones: “He just continues to amaze me with the things he does and the way he can lock in and turn up. Once he’s activated, I think he’s a top-five cornerback in this league.” #Raiders
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardNFL) July 30, 2024
And Hobbs wasn’t done with his praise either, also mentioned Bennett as someone who is young and pushing hard to improve his game, via Ward:
Nate Hobbs on Jakorian Bennett: “JB is going to be really pivotal for us. I really don’t want to see you guys (media) attacking him like y’all are, so he’s a great player. Young, but he has a drive that you don’t see in people his age.”
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardNFL) July 30, 2024
With Christian Wilkins joining Maxx Crosby on the defensive line, the opportunities for the Raiders secondary to thrive and make some big plays should be there. Without making any big additions there, the Raiders will be reliant on Jones, Hobbs and Bennett to take that leap and be ready when those chances present themselves.
Much has been made of the Raiders’ talent on offense, but the defense can make life so much easier for them as well and this secondary sounds like they are ready to silence any doubters.
Raiders coach Antonio Pierce expects all players to play in preseason
That Raiders defense should get some opportunities to tune up and be ready once the regular season begins as everyone is expected to get some preseason reps.
Head coach Antonio Pierce recently said that he expects every player to play in preseason, especially as the Raiders have no joint practices with other teams. Some will surely play less than others, but it is imperative for them to get some game-speed reps.
