With The First Pick
Fansided

Oakland Raiders Two-Deep Depth Chart

By Carl Cockerham

Jun 15, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders at minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders at minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals free safety Reggie Nelson (20) intercepts a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant (10) in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 33-20. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals free safety Reggie Nelson (20) intercepts a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant (10) in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 33-20. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Free Safety: Reggie Nelson, Dewey McDonald

It was really sad to see Charles Woodson who was just starting to master the safety position, retire at the end of last season. Not only was he a great player that made plays, but he was the veteran leader this young team needs in the secondary.

But the Raiders got the best possible replacement for him when they signed Reggie Nelson in free agency. Now entering his 10th year, Nelson will bring his own veteran leadership and play-making ability. The root of that play-making ability is the speed and the range he still has.

In 2015, he used it to tie for the NFL lead in interceptions with eight of them. To go along with the interceptions Nelson had 14 passes defensed and was a sure tackler with 72 tackles. Just in case you didn’t know, Nelson is a big hitter too with some knockouts on his resume.

Opposing receivers will have concerns going over the middle with Joseph and Nelson at the safeties. It will be much like the days of the Soul Patrol with hitters Jack Tatum and George Atkinson. Dewey McDonald is the guy that I see most likely backing Nelson up.

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