Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. believes this year’s unit is more talented than last year’s collection. That’s especially true in the secondary, where the Raiders spent significant capital this offseason.
Sean Smith got $38 million to anchor one cornerback spot. Reggie Nelson got $8.5 million to play free safety. Strong safety Karl Joseph was acquired with the No. 14 overall pick and should start in a secondary with three new pieces over a year ago.
David Amerson is lone returner, and he was a waiver claim after getting cut by Washington.
“We see a real good backfield,” Norton said.