Oakland Raiders: A Quick Look at the Current Cornerbacks

Nnamdi Asomugha is gone, and he's not coming back.

The Raiders are going to need to look elsewhere for cornerbacks in 2011. Given their current cap space, I'd surmise the Raiders plan on using their current in-house solutions.

The Raiders used two of their first four draft picks on cornerbacks DeMarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa and this specialization heavily implies they aren't planning on signing any expensive Asomugha replacements.

With that, let's run through Oakland's cornerbacks heading into 2011.

DeMarcus Van Dyke

Van Dyke is a rookie third-rounder. From the University of Miami, Van Dyke had 11 interceptions when playing as a defensive back. He returned kickoffs and even played wide receiver for some time during his senior year.

He recorded a 4.28 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, likely the reason he was drafted by the Raiders. Al Davis loves speed (see Darius Heyward-Bey) and Van Dyke is along the same line. Hopefully he won't be needed in the passing game.

Van Dyke is a raw talent who needs a few years experience before he could be considered for a starting role. However, given the Raiders' needs, he could see himself thrust into a starting role before no time.

Walter McFadden

McFadden was a rookie last year. He only appeared in four games and made five tackles in the process. The fifth-round pick from Auburn was never put in the game in pressure situations last season. This year he will need to prove he can play at a high level.

Chris Johnson

Johnson is a solid but not flashy defensive back. He started four games last season and appeared in 12. He recorded 16 tackles and two interceptions. He filled in for Asomugha when he was injured, and would appear to be the front runner to join the starting 11.

He was rumored to be cut, but that turned out to be false as he's been in training camp this year.

Chimdi Chekwa

The Raiders took Chekwa in the fourth round of this year's draft. Chekwa played at Ohio state and had a 40-yard-dash time of 4.40 at the combine.

He was a college football news All-American in his senior year. He's currently unsigned, but if he does sign I see him making an impact sooner than Van Dyke.

Chekwa is from a defensive power house and those skills should translate quicker to the NFL.

Jeremy Ware

Ware only made a few appearances for the Raiders in 2010, recording a single tackle and one interception. He's likely towards the bottom of the depth chart, but if injuries prevail he could find himself in the game at some time.

Stanford Routt

Routt started opposite Asomugha in 2010. He was thrown at frequently as a result of playing opposite Asomugha. In 2011, Routt will to be matched up against the No. 1 receiver of opposing teams, and hopefully he will be up to the task. He got a lot of action in 2010 making 55 tackles, forcing one fumble and intercepting a pair of passes, one for a touchdown.

Routt needs to prove this year that he can be an NFL starting CB, without the assistance of an All-Pro playing on the opposite side of the field.