Raiders training camp preview: Secondary adds tantalizing rookie

Las Vegas Raiders training camp preview: secondary gains intriguing rookie Fourth‑round selection Jermod McCoy is set to join the team when camp opens Wednesday, and coaches are optimistic he can contribute this season. “The program is to get him reps early and see how he responds in his recovery,” manager Klint Kubiak said Tuesday. “It is a moving target with him. He's a cat that's worked extremely hard and has been dedicated to the program that we've put in front of him. Jermod hasn't played football in a year, and we're aware of that, but he's ready to get out there tomorrow. We're also going to be very smart with him and make him the right way.” A healthy McCoy could reshape the Raiders’ defensive backfield, a unit the club invested heavily in during the draft to upgrade the position. McCoy, however, remains the biggest question mark in the group. He missed the previous season at Tennessee after undergoing ACL surgery, yet before draft‑day concerns about his knee’s long‑term prognosis he was regarded as a certain first‑round talent. The Raiders traded up to select him with the first pick of the fourth round, and if he stays on the field he could prove to be a steal of the draft. The Review‑Journal will continue its position‑by‑position look at the opening roster, concluding with the secondary today. Roster Cornerbacks — Eric Stokes, Darien Porter, Taron Johnson, McCoy, Hezekiah Masses, Greedy Vance, Decamerion Richardson, Chigozie Anusiem, Caleb Offord Safeties — Jeremy Chinn, Isaiah Pola‑Mao, Treydan Stukes, Dalton Johnson, Tristin McCollum, Devin Lafayette, Tanner Wall, Devyn Perkins Outlook One outside cornerback spot is locked in with Eric Stokes, who enjoyed a strong rookie season with Las Vegas. He remained steady and was one of the few bright spots on a 3‑14 team, earning a new contract. He should provide stability on one side of the field as long as he stays healthy. The opposite outside cornerback position is likely to become more competitive if McCoy truly makes the mix. He is the most talented option available, but he has sat out a year and will need to shake off rust if he is fully healthy. Porter saw some starts last year; although inconsistent, he possesses elite traits that could earn him the job. Masses, a fifth‑round pick, turned heads during OTAs and could see playing time as well. Richardson is a 2024 Raiders draft pick, while Vance and Anusiem are returners who will compete for snaps. Offord joined the club as an undrafted rookie free agent. Johnson was acquired to solidify the nickel role, a position he has played at a high level for the Buffalo Bills over the past eight seasons. Several of the nickel and safety positions should be interchangeable in this scheme. Stukes is expected to see extensive action across the secondary, adding the versatility that new defensive coordinator Rob Leonard values and likely to be on the field frequently as a rookie. Perkins, who signed after rookie minicamp, will aim to find a role for himself. Chinn and Pola‑Mao return as the starting safeties, but the Raiders have added ample competition. Pola‑Mao, in particular, will need a strong camp to secure his spot. Johnson, a close friend and college teammate of Stukes, appears poised for a significant rookie contribution. McCollum appeared in 16 games for Las Vegas last season and was steady at times. Lafayette and Wall are undrafted rookie free agents who will look to make an impression as camp begins.