The deal with cornerback Eli Apple fell through, so the Las Vegas Raiders signed safety Damarious Randall. Randall played previously for the Green Bay Packers and the Cleveland Browns. Last season with the Browns, Randall had 61 tackles, six passes defended, and 2.5 sacks. He did not record an interception, but in 2018 he recorded four. Randall can play corner and safety and has 14 interceptions, and 47 passes defended in his five-year career.
Versatile
Randall’s addition to the Raider secondary improves the pass coverage significantly; he provides versatility to play multiple roles and coverage abilities in Paul Guenther’s defense. Having Randall in the secondary will allow Guenther to be more creative with the Raiders secondary. Even though Damarious Randall can play corner, look for him to play mostly safety.
Play recognition
Randall is good at recognizing plays while watching film; i noticed Randall jumping a lot of routes. Although he had no interceptions, he made plays breaking up passes and making key tackles short of first downs due to play recognition. This will be huge for the Raiders defense; getting off the field on third down is crucial.
Range
Randall has an outstanding range from sideline to sideline, his ability to track the ball in the air is pretty good. The Raiders will need that with Patrick Mahomes in the division, and the way Kansas City likes to pass the ball. Range is something the Raiders have been missing for a long time at the safety position.
The Raiders are looking pretty good at the safety position with Randall, Johnathan Abram, Erik Harris, and Jeff Heath. Once a weakness of the Raiders defense, the safety position could be a strength next season for the Raiders.
With four safeties that are capable of being quality starters, it will be exciting camp battles, and if any of the starters get hurt, the backups will be more than capable of fitting in.
