The Las Vegas Raiders entered training camp with plenty of eyes on their rookie class, and while most attention has been on players like Ashton Jeanty, one undrafted rookie is quietly making a serious case for a spot on the 53-man roster: undrafted cornerback Greedy Vance.
Greedy Vance: The Raiders’ Undrafted Gem on the Rise
Despite entering the league without the fanfare of a draft selection, Vance has taken advantage of every opportunity in training camp. According to Raiders’ team reporter Levi Edwards, Vance has not only held his own but excelled, snagging an interception and recording multiple pass breakups. These standout performances have vaulted him into second-team reps, a significant development considering the need for playmakers in the Raiders’ secondary.
Edwards also highlighted Vance when asked which rookies might see increased playing time during the preseason, and goes as far as to say he has a “good shot” of making the initial 53-man roster. Preseason is a crucial proving ground for players like him, and the Raiders coaching staff, led by new head coach Pete Carroll, will likely give him ample reps to assess his value.
There’s a reason to believe Vance could do more than just stick around, and he might find himself in the mix for meaningful snaps when the regular season begins.
Jakorian Bennett Trade Clears Path for Vance
The Raiders’ decision to trade cornerback Jakorian Bennett to the Philadelphia Eagles sent shockwaves through the fanbase. Bennett was a capable corner when healthy, but with a new regime in town, he fell out of favor with Carroll, and the Raiders decided to move on from the 2023 fourth-round pick.
Despite being similar in height to Bennett, Vance has shown that his instincts, playmaking abilities, and effort make it hard to let him go. While there’s still work to do, Vance’s ability to produce turnovers and blanket receivers is catching the coaching staff’s attention. Plus, the departure of Bennett clears one more body from the crowded cornerback room.
But Vance isn’t the only undrafted corner from USC trying to make the roster, either.
6-foot-2 John Humphrey has caught the attention of Carroll with his height and 33-inch arms. But Humphrey hasn’t made those wow plays in training camp like Vance has, so the two undrafted USC corners will have to battle it out during preseason to show Carroll who’s more deserving of a roster spot.
The odds are still long for any undrafted rookie, but Greedy Vance is checking all the boxes so far. With the Raiders desperate for stability in the secondary, don’t be surprised if Vance’s name is on the 53-man roster.
Every year, someone unexpected rises from the bottom of the depth chart to earn their place. This year, that player might just be Vance.
