How will former Detroit Lions fare with their new teams in 2019?
Player: Nevin Lawson
2018 statistics with Lions: 15 games played, 14 starts, 1.0 sack
2019 team: Oakland Raiders
Contract terms: 1-year / $3.05 million
The picture of him above says it all. Despite being a scrappy, hard-nosed player who was well-liked by teammates, cornerback Nevin Lawson too often found himself on the wrong end of big receiving plays in his five seasons with the Lions.
Penalties, a lack of speed and a total absence of playmaking skills rendered Lawson a below- average defensive player. He just always seemed to be a step behind on a third down reception or a hand’s length away from making an interception. Seriously, it’s almost impressive to go five NFL seasons without picking off a pass.
The Lions made a concerted effort to reshape their secondary this offseason, and Lawson didn’t fit anymore. He was replaced with another veteran corner, Rashaan Melvin, who played last season with Lawson’s new team, the Oakland Raiders. Maybe they swapped domiciles too.
In Oakland, Lawson joins a defense undergoing a lot of change under head coach Jon Gruden and first year general manager Mike Mayock. Among the cornerbacks, he instantly becomes the most experienced player in the unit in terms of years in the league. That’s no guarantee though for a starting gig, let alone a roster spot.
After missing most of his rookie season due to injury, former first round draft pick Gareon Conley made strides on the field in 2018 for Oakland. In the Raiders’ base 4-3 defense, he could be joined on the outside by veteran corner Daryl Worley, or even one of a pair of talented rookie cornerbacks, Isaiah Johnson and Trayvon Mullen.
Lawson’s best bet for making an impact with Oakland could be as a nickel corner or on special teams. Relying on Conley is also a risk due to his past off-the-field concerns; if nothing else, Lawson will be a low-maintenance, reliable veteran, who could be a solid mentor for the Raiders young defensive backs.