Mike Mayock
Mike Mayock admits the he’s anxious about the Raiders secondary heading into 2020. Will the Raiders defense improve enough to make them contenders? (Charlie Neibergall/Associated Press)

Mike Mayock “Anxious” About Raiders Secondary

Fixing this defense had to be the number one priority this offseason for the Raiders. Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski go a long way towards fixing that issue. What about the secondary? That appears to be a different story. The Raiders ranked 30th in pass defense DVOA a year ago. Mike Mayock is still anxious to see his secondary in action in 2020.

“I am most anxious to see the secondary. . . . We’ve got some good young talent and I am anxious to see who competes,” Mayock said, via Vic Tafur of TheAthletic.com. “It’s awesome to have Amukamara because he brings a veteran presence, but we have a bunch of really young corners and safeties that we think have some talent.”

A lot of pressure is riding on Mayock to get this group right. Last year, they invested a first round pick on Johnathan Abram who is more of a box safety. Abram got hurt last year so that one is too soon to tell. Jeff Heath and Damarious Randall were signed this year to contribute at safety. Prince Amukamara was also brought in this season. More so than anything, Mayock is putting his chips in the center with Damon Arnette.

Mike Mayock Continues To Defend The Damon Arnette Pick

I said this in the past. Mayock’s entire reputation is riding on the Arnette pick who he should have traded down and picked. Arnette had character concerns that were making him slip. Mayock also said he’s just as good as Jeff Okudah soooo. The pressure is on. Don’t make Alex cry. He already whiffed badly with the Clelin Ferrell pick. Mayock can’t afford to miss on another first round pick.