Cornerback was a weak spot on the Raiders in 2015. Improving pass coverage for 2016 was a priority for general manager Reggie McKenzie, so the Raiders invested heavily, signing free-agent Sean Smith to a reported four-year, $40 million deal.
Smith is expected to start on one side, with David Amerson – who resurrected his career after signing with Oakland last season following his release in Washington – on the other.
The 6-foot-3 Smith, 29, is one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks and is expected to be a player capable of shutting down top receivers in 2016.
The analytics website Pro Football Focus graded Smith as the 12th-best corner in the NFL in 2015 and noted that Smith limited opposing receivers to a 53.2 percent catch rate.
“He’s one of the few corners capable of covering the physical specimens at receiver in press-man (coverage),” wrote Pro Football Focus’ John Breitenbach. “Smith provides defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. flexibility to run any coverage he chooses.”
Now, after the Raiders’ just-completed first session of organized team activities (OTAs), Smith is appearing to be as much a leader as he is pass defender. With several young defensive backs on the roster -- including No. 1 pick Karl Joseph, a safety – Smith sees his role as a mentor and leader as well as player.
“We have a very, very young team back there, especially in the secondary,” Smith told reporters. “I guess my job is to come in here and make them better mentally because they have all the talent and all the tools to make plays. Just have to get them up to par with me from a football IQ standpoint.”
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Smith also sees a good chemistry developing with Amerson, whom he believes can continue to build on his turnaround first season in Oakland. Smith is certain he can aid in Amerson’s growth.
“He’s one of the most athletic people I’ve ever met,” Smith said, in addressing the media after OTAs. “D.A. can make all the cuts, all the breaks. I’m definitely looking forward to working with him. Again, another young guy who’s been in the league a few years. Like I said, it’s all mental, just trying to get guys to see the game like I see it, that way I can slow it down for them.”
