Raiders showing interest in intriguing physical cornerback

The Las Vegas Raiders have done a lot of work revamping their offense this season. They have a new starting quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo and have added Jakobi Meyers at wide receiver to complement Davante Adams. With Josh Jacobs back for at least one more season on the franchise tag, the pieces are in place for Las Vegas to get their offense on track this season.

But, if the Raiders want to see major improvements after winning only six games last season, it is the defense that needs to be addressed. Las Vegas was 26th in points allowed and 28th in yardage allowed last season. They were especially susceptible to getting beat through the air, ranking 29th in passing yards allowed.

Adding some pieces to the secondary would be a good idea. The 2023 NFL Draft could provide the team with some long-term options to develop as well. One player to keep an eye on is Carrington Valentine.

The Kentucky product is projected by most outlets to be an undrafted free agent this year, but he is putting in the work to improve his stock. Valentine has transformed his body during the pre-draft process, going from 13 percent to six percent body fat and gaining 13 pounds of muscle.

Already possessing prototypical physical traits given his long arms and athletic frame, adding that kind of muscle will only help him hold up against top-tier competition. Last season with the Wildcats, he led the team with 10 pass breakups, totaling 48 tackles with 1.5 tackles for a loss and one interception in 12 starts.

There is certainly a lot to work on when it comes to Valentine’s game, which is partly why he is considered a late-round prospect at best. Improving his playmaking skills and converting on interceptions would help, as well as improving his play recognition. 

Valentine is susceptible to double-moves and lacks the burst to recover on the play. But, he could be adding some burst and explosiveness with the work that he has been doing throughout the offseason.

A good amount of interest has already been shown in him. Along with the Raiders, the Green Bay Packers, Washington Commanders, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals have all had virtual meetings with him. The Cincinnati Bengals hosted him on an in-person visit, as he should find his way onto an NFL roster in the coming weeks one way or another.