Raiders hire Pete Carroll: A draft hint?

Interesting trend could be a clue where Raiders are headed at No. 6

Maybe this is just a coincidence, yet maybe it is something we need to pay attention to.

New Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll has been a head coach in three other NFL cities. In each of his first year with his new team, Carroll’s team ahs selected a defensive back in the first round.

• 1994, New York Jets: Aaron Glenn.
• 1997, New England Patriots: Chris Canty.
• 2010, Seattle Seahawks: Earl Thomas.

What does it all mean?

It may not mean anything. But it might mean something as well.

Carroll was a defensive back and his roots as a coach as a secondary coach. He clearly values the position and feels comfortable building a team from the backfield. His Super Bowl era Seahawks, of course, were defined by Carroll’s Legion of Boom secondary that Thomas was a vital part of.

So, it won’t be a surprise if Carroll and new Las Vegas general manager John Spytek address the defensive backfield early. And, of course, the cornerback position is an area of need for the Raiders.

A possible target with the No. 6 overall pick could be Michigan cornerback Will Johnson. That player-team fit makes a lot of sense.

So, yes, Carroll could strike in the secondary for the fourth time as he begins a new tenure.