The Las Vegas Raiders are making moves, folks, and they’re not afraid to take a chance. Just after the cutdown frenzy, they swooped in to claim former 49ers CB Darrell Luter Jr. off waivers, showing they’re serious about shoring up that secondary. But they didn’t stop there. Now, the Silver and Black are bringing in a towering veteran cornerback, Tre Hawkins III, for a workout on Thursday, and let me tell you, this guy could literally stand above the rest in their defensive backfield.
Towering Talent, Immediate Need
Picture this: a 6-foot-3 cornerback. That’s what Hawkins brings to the table, and if he signs, he’d be the tallest corner on the entire Raiders roster. Think about that reach, the potential to disrupt passing lanes, and the matchup nightmares for smaller receivers! Right now, their tallest CB is 6-2 Darien Porter, so Hawkins would instantly elevate their secondary, at least physically. The Raiders are clearly hunting for a specific type of player, a bigger, more physical presence on the outside. They’ve been busy, man, already grabbing Luter Jr. after the roster cuts, which tells you everything you need to know about where they see their current depth. They need help, and they’re looking for it in some interesting places, starting with guys who can bring serious length to the position. This kind of early season pursuit signals a clear intent to upgrade, and you gotta respect a team that’s still grinding for talent even after the initial wave of roster changes.
The Big Question: Can He Stay on the Field?
Now, here’s where it gets real, and it’s the kind of gamble that can make or break an early season move. Hawkins was a sixth-round pick by the New York Giants back in the 2023 NFL Draft. He spent two seasons there, showing flashes, appearing in 20 games with four starts, grabbing one interception and logging three pass breakups. Solid production for a late-round guy, right? But then it hit: he got injured in camp the next year and was ultimately cut. He moved on to the Commanders last season, where he only appeared in one game. And guess what? This year’s camp, same story. Injured again, cut again. The talent, as the reports say, is clearly there. You don’t get drafted, start games, and make plays in the NFL without talent. The brutal, honest truth is that his availability has been the major roadblock. It’s the classic high-upside, high-risk situation that teams face all the time. Can the Raiders be the ones to finally keep him healthy and unleash that potential? That’s the million-dollar question.
So, here we are, early September, and the Raiders are still tweaking, still trying to find those pieces that can make a difference. Bringing in a player like Tre Hawkins III, with his undeniable physical gifts and a frustrating injury history, shows they are desperate enough to bet on potential over a clean bill of health. This isn’t just a simple workout; it’s a test of whether a promising talent can finally overcome his biggest hurdle. For the Raiders, a healthy Hawkins could be a real steal, but the odds are always stacked against a player who keeps landing on the injured list. This early in the season, every roster move matters, and this one could swing either way for their defensive backfield.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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