NFL
After the first two weeks of preseason play, the Oakland Raiders felt the need to bolster their secondary. They’ll look to do that with their recent signing of veteran and Pro Bowl corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Adam Schefter and Ian Rappaport have confirmed the signing. It’s safe to say Cromartie is happy to join his new team.
DRC just texted me: “It’s go time.” … officially a member of the #Raiders https://t.co/A28NjuUIXW
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 23, 2018
Why He Is A Great Addition
Adding ball-hawking players to their secondary this season is a must after their abysmal five interceptions last season which was last in the league. The Raiders were also 29th in the league in passes defended. Cromartie was second among NFL corners in interceptions in 2016 with six.
However, with the addition of Cromartie and last their 2017 first-round pick, Gareon Conley, returning from the IR and the addition of former Philadelphia Eagles corner Daryl Worley, it may be looking up. Cromartie will add a speedy side to this defense as he ran a 4.29 40 yard dash at his combine.
Though that was some time ago, the Raiders have reason to believe that he can still be a menacing threat to QB’s. The trio of Worley, Cromartie, and Conley plus the hit man Karl Joseph at strong safety could potentially be a dangerous trio.
That is if they perform to potential. Joseph, is a former first-round pick as well, out of West Virginia. With all of this young talent, it’s no surprise the Raiders like Cromartie as a veteran Locker room presence.
Obi Melifonwu Waived
The #Raiders have waived S Obi Melifonwu, a former 2nd rounder. He’s been injured, but they also never quite felt he loved football enough. https://t.co/3VLUAriPTn
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 23, 2018
Within 24 hours of the Cromartie signing, the Raiders released 2017 second-round pick Obi Melifonwu. After being chosen with the 56th selection of the 2017 NFL Draft, he injured his hip which required surgery.
He ended up only playing five games of the 2017 season in which he racked up five tackles total. It’s no coincidence that he was released so close to the Cromartie signing. The Raiders needed to make room. However, they also never felt that he loved football enough. (Per Ian Rappaport)
After a very subpar showing in 2017 by the secondary due to injuries and lack of experience, the Raiders are beginning seeing stars align. The Cromartie signing and the return of Gareon Conley spell hope for this secondary.
