Jon Gruden decided to make his return to the Oakland Raiders this season after signing a massive contract to become their head coach for the second time in his career. It was a move that excited fans in a big way. Gareon Conley was one of the most intriguing players that Gruden inherited to help get the defense back on track.
Despite the hope that Conley could step up this season and become a top cornerback, things have gotten off to a slow start. There are even some reports that he could end up losing his starting job.
Paul Guenther, the defensive coordinator for the Raiders, opened up about Conley in a recent interview with Paul Gutierrez of ESPN via ABC7.com.
“He is learning a lot of things. Unfortunately, he gives up the one play off the goal line and we are in a pretty good call to stop it.”
He went on to talk about how he wants to bring Conley along slowly and not put too much on his plate.
“I don't want to give (Conley) too much right now. If we can give him little by little by little, just like a normal rookie player, that's how I'm viewing Gareon. He really only played one-and-a-half games last year and he sat out pretty much through the offseason. It's no different than a young player. He's a work in progress.”
Conley has recorded 10 total tackles, an interception, a defensive touchdown, and six defended passes so far this season. He has put up solid numbers, but he has also given up too many big plays.
At 23 years old, the Raiders are still extremely high on Conley. He has a bright future if he can develop his skills to their full potential. Taking him out of the starting lineup may help him develop at a better pace.
Even if Conley is taken out of the starting lineup, the Raiders are still going to need him to play this season. He is quite possibly the most talented defensive back on the team. Merely allowing him to play a specific role in a lower capacity might be precisely what the young cornerback needs to take the next step.
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