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Probably the biggest loss the Raiders had this offseason was nickel corner Nate Hobbs. Though some might argue it was Tre’von Moehrig. But regardless of which camp you’re in regarding the bigger loss, the answer to who will be filling their shoes in Las Vegas could be the same — Jeremy Chinn.
The sixth year veteran was the only outside free agent the Raiders signed to a multi-year deal. And, from the looks of it, it could be to play multiple positions as well.
“I feel like I can affect the game in a lot of ways, in a lot of different spots,” Chinn said of his versatility. “In this defense it’s allowing me to do that. So, super exciting.”
Chinn is a safety by trade, which means he was the obvious replacement for Moehrig. But the team neglected to sign anyone from the outside to replace Hobbs at the nickel spot. The answer seems to be to have Chinn pulling some double duty, switching back and forth depending on the defensive alignment.
In instances where Chinn would be asked to step into the nickel spot, the Raiders would then bring in fellow newcomer Lonnie Johnson Jr to take over the safety duties. And having two safeties on the field is preferable to adding a linebacker or a perhaps tackling liability at corner.
One of Hobbs’s best qualities was his tackling abilities. Many nickel corners are on the smaller side, which can often mean they struggle when it comes to covering and tackling tight ends and big slot receivers. But Hobbs is 6-0, 195 pounds and never had that issue. He also has quick feet to stay with running backs and quicker slot receivers.
Chinn stands at 6-3, which is obviously big for a cornerback. Bigger still for a nickel corner expected to cover the slot. But Pete Carroll likes big corners. He also really likes DBs who can come up a lower the boom. As in Legion of…
It will be up to DC Patrick Graham to put Chinn and the rest of the secondary in the best position possible to execute Carroll’s vision for this defense.
“It starts off, I would say, with Jeremy [Chinn],” said Graham of the new look secondary.
“In terms of his leadership, he’s very sure of himself, because he puts in the work. Self-confidence comes from preparation; it’s not a self-esteem thing or self-talk thing. When you’re prepared, you’re really, really confident. That’s what I see from him. And he’s been a sponge in terms of learning how we want to do things, and then all the physical attributes, but all 32 teams know about that. The speed, the size, physicality, ability to tackle, nose for the ball. So, I mean, it’s all been positive there.”
Chinn definitely checks a lot of boxes. His career-best tying 117 tackles last season show his abilities in that arena. As do his career-best seven tackles for loss. But his five pass breakups last season along with just three career interceptions mean we’ll have to wait and see if the Raiders grand plans for him will ultimately work out.
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