Oakland Raiders Two-Deep Depth Chart

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Nov 1, 2015; London, United Kingdom; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Sean Smith (21) deflects a pass intended for Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson (81) during game 14 of the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Cornerback: Sean Smith, David Amerson, T.J. Carrie, D.J. Hayden

Sean Smith he is an elite cornerback that follows the opposing team’s best receiver. So he’ll be the team’s No. 1 corner that opposing teams rarely throw at. Kanas City Chiefs 2015 rookie corner Marcus Peters made plays last year because Smith was on the other side of him.

David Amerson, the team’s No.2 corner, will benefit from Smith the same way Peters did last year. He’s coming off a breakout year with 26 passes defensed and four interceptions. This year, he’ll have an even bigger year with a year in the system and more targets coming his way.

T.J. Carrie had a rough go of it in 2015 when he had to cover outside receivers. But when he was in the slot, he played very well as Pro Football Focus ranked him as one of the best in the NFL at it. So I expect him to be the slot corner for the Raiders in 2016 but it is not guaranteed.

That’s because 2013 first-round pick D.J. Hayden now has the team’s attention. He looked good in spots in the slot last year but this offseason, the coaches are gushing over him. He is a first-round pick so the Raiders will try to get what they can out of him but I’ll keep him at No. 4 for now.

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