Las Vegas Raiders depth chart: Can Amik Robertson crack starting lineup?

Can rookie cornerback Amik Robertson immediately crack the starting lineup for the Las Vegas Raiders?

The Las Vegas Raiders made seven selections in the 2020 NFL Draft. It all began with the exciting selection of Henry Ruggs III at No. 12 overall and Mike Mayock, Jon Gruden and company were able to find gifted players throughout the draft.

They ended up making seven selections in the 2020 NFL Draft, but none of them came after the fourth round. This team aggressively attacked their targets and were able to come away with some impressive playmakers who can help them on both sides of the ball. Their seventh and final selection came in the fourth round at No. 139 overall. That is where the Las Vegas Raiders were able to snag Amik Robertson.

Robertson was a three-year starting cornerback at Louisiana Tech, immediately starting at the cornerback position as soon as he entered the program as a true freshman in 2017. Through his three years in college, Robertson was an extremely impressive playmaker who always seemed to be getting his hands on the ball.

Robertson played in 38 games at Louisiana Tech and he finished his career with 14 interceptions, 34 passes defended and three touchdowns. His best statistical season came in 2019 when Robertson piled up five interceptions, 16 passes defended and two touchdowns in 12 games. Make no mistake about it, this guy is a tremendous playmaker on the defensive side of the ball.

A tough and aggressive defensive back, Robertson was able to consistently dominate in coverage in college. He is a tenacious man-to-man defender who also showed a great ability to read opposing quarterbacks in zone coverage. Robertson was also a strong run defender at the cornerback position, firing through would-be blockers and making tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage many times.

Based on his tape alone, Robertson could have been considered a potential first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. However, not consistently playing against top-tier competition is a knock against him, as is his lack of size. At 5-foot-8, 187 pounds, Robertson could have major issues against bigger and more physical NFL receivers.

That being said, Robertson plays much bigger than his actual size at the cornerback position. He is consistently aggressive throughout the route and shows fantastic natural leaping ability. The Las Vegas Raiders are not going to want to consistently line him up against big receivers, but Robertson should be able to hold his own against opposing receivers who have a handful of inches and pounds on him.

How does he fit with Raiders?

Robertson plays with smooth hips, shows fantastic short-area quickness and lacks ideal size at the cornerback position. He is undoubtedly best suited to play nickel cornerback at the next level. He primarily played outside in college, but Robertson’s game translates so well inside at the next level. The Raiders’ rookie undoubtedly has exciting long-term upside, but is there room for him to come in and make an immediate impact in the secondary?

The Raiders have turned to Lamarcus Joyner as their primary slot defender in recent years. Joyner is listed as a safety, but he has had plenty of success as a nickel cornerback in the NFL. However, Joyner did struggle a bit at the position last season and the Las Vegas Raiders may be better off kicking Joyner to a full-time safety role.

If Joyner plays less cornerback in 2020, Robertson will likely get an opportunity to prove himself as the primary slot defender for the Raiders. In today’s NFL, nickel cornerback is a starting spot on the defensive side of the ball and Robertson has the ability to make that position his. He undoubtedly has a path to becoming an immediate starter for this team.

Simply put, Robertson is a tremendous natural playmaker who the Raiders are going to want to get on the field as much as possible. This guy has a nose for the ball, and if he can prove himself against at least average-sized NFL receivers, he has unlimited upside at the next level.

Make no mistake about it, Robertson is not only a gifted cornerback prospect who has impressive long-term value to the Las Vegas Raiders, he is a talented player who can come in and make an immediate impact. Stick this guy in the slot and let him work.