The Raiders’ turned some heads Thursday evening by selecting “controversial” cornerback Gareon Conley 24th overall.
With the 24th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft we have selected DB Gareon Conleyhttps://t.co/4Ja5gGL4RO pic.twitter.com/jyAqe8Cola
— Oakland Raiders (@Raiders) April 28, 2017
Conley was in play for me personally, and I had him landing in Oakland with my final mock draft. The allegations changed some things, but McKenzie, Del Rio, & Co. must be confident that charges are false, and Conley is of high-character. Either way, need certainly filled. When/if the off-field questions get answered, this pick has the potential to be of incredible value, as well.
On to Day 2, where the Raiders are back on the clock at 56 overall, and then again at 88 (baring any trades of course).
Quite a few of my favorite players, who I had mocked to Oakland as early as 24, are still hanging around. As things progress, I can’t imagine any of them making it to 56, but if that was the case, Willie Brown needs to hustle to the podium.
Round Two (56)
1) FS Budda Baker — The best safety in this class. Steps in for Reggie Nelson immediately.
Kicking off the #FilmWithFive series at @RaidersBeat with one of my favorite players & possible Nelson replacement: https://t.co/PudEuI44Qv
— ryan (@StillRyanFive) January 21, 2017
2) DL Malik McDowell — Tape alone clearly shows a top five or ten player; character’s another story.
3) EDGE Jordan Willis — Elite tester. Flashes consistently; productive. Aldon Smith is a non-factor for Oakland going forward.
4) WR Curtis Samuel — Best slot wide receiver in this class. Can mix it up out of the back, too. Athletic playmaker.
5) CB Chidobe Awuzie — The CB3. Complete player who can play inside or outside. Oakland should plan to draft two corners in this year.
6) CB Kevin King — Oakland’s own. Too athletic to ignore, especially in this spot (he won’t be there as such).
7) OT Cam Robinson — The answer at right tackle.
8) RB Joe Mixon — If he’s there at 56 (either Green Bay snags him to start the day, or he’s gone by 41 to Cincinnati), he’d be my favorite pick in this entire class. Even with the addition of Marshawn Lynch, the value (and talent) is obvious:
I wrote a lot of words about Joe Mixon, the football player. Check out the new #FilmWithFive over at @RaidersBeat: https://t.co/daoHNucVJI
— ryan (@StillRyanFive) April 3, 2017
9) LB Raekwon McMillan — The Raiders’ answer at linebacker arrives in the second round.
10) SS Obi Melifonwu — He can play deep, in the box, or even line up at corner. Reggie loves versatility.
Wrote about the player who jumped outta the gym and where I'd draft him. New #FilmWithFive, via @RaidersBeat: https://t.co/FVwjfNtAep
— ryan (@StillRyanFive) March 25, 2017
Also in play:
LB Zach Cunningham, DL Chris Wormley, CB Quincy Wilson, EDGE Carl Lawson, CB Cordrea Tankersley, DT Larry Ogunjobi, and OLB Tyus Bowser.
Round Three (88)
1) WR Chris Godwin — My WR5. Physical hands-catcher who can win all over the field.
2) CB Sidney Jones — Too talented not to snag at this point, even with the injury questions. The CB1 prior to the Achilles.
New #FilmWithFive, and we're finally talking CB's over at @RaidersBeat. #Raiders would be wise to take a look at 24: https://t.co/mtUq4tQFxZ
— ryan (@StillRyanFive) February 14, 2017
3) WR Taywan Taylor — Built athlete who can take over a game out of the slot.
4) CB Ahkello Witherspoon — Long and athletic; checks boxes. Physicality has to improve.
5) CB Shaquill Griffin — Impressive workout numbers. Productive when the ball’s thrown.
6) FS Xavier Woods — One of my favorite safety’s in this class. Can play either position. Ball hawk.
7) LB Anthony Walker Jr. — Another linebacker option. Played all over the second level. Smart, leader.
8) TE Bucky Hodges — Big target with big upside. Hands need a little work.
Got Bucky? 🦃
What a year this man has had..
OFFICIAL HIGHLIGHTS | Bucky Hodges, @VT_Football TE pic.twitter.com/Sozm5fh9bn
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) December 19, 2016
9) TE Adam Shaheen — Mismatch. Clowned lower-level competition. Looks like a juggernaut.
10) LB Alex Anzalone — Injury questions are notable. If he’s healthy, impact player at a position of need. Ideal build, tested well too.
Also in play:
WR Carlos Henderson, WR Ryan Switzer, OT Taylor Moton, FS Marcus Williams, FS Josh Jones, CB Cameron Sutton, FS Tedric Thompson, CB Fabian Moreau, DL Jaleel Johnson, OT Storm Norton, and TE Gerald Everett.
Catch me on Twitter: @StillRyanFive