In fairness to the Raiders, they at least acknowledged the hole at their cornerback position this offseason. While the front office and coaching staff remains hopeful that the in-house talent will continue to grow and blossom (looking at someone like Trayvon Mullen), the team sorely misses a true, lock-down, CB1.
The plan was to nab one in free agency, but when they struck out on Byron Jones (chose MIA), Chris Harris Jr. (chose LAC), and Darius Slay (rumored to be interested, but PHI came with the cash in the end), the only remaining outlet for an upgrade is the draft.
There are options, my friends, and one may be in play as early as 19 overall. Let’s have a look:
Jeff Okudah is the sure-fire CB1. He isn’t quite as talented as Jalen Ramsey or former Buckeye Marshon Lattimore (or perhaps even Denzel Ward) coming out of school, but that’s by no means an indictment on his game — he can play. Top-5 player in this class overall, the Raiders would need to move up to secure him.
Both C.J. Henderson and Kristian Fulton seem to be two commonly mocked names to Jon Gruden’s squad at 19 overall. I think both players would be “fine”, but would much prefer either of them off a trade-down. Henderson, notably, is a standout athlete; justifies the pick a touch more I guess.
Two other players I want to hit on: Noah Igbinoghene is fairly raw, as he’s new to the corner position, but his upside is obvious (test scores here; 4.48 forty and some other goodies). The perfect third-round dart throw, if he’s there (my hunch is he goes inside the top-50). Cameron Dantzler was the CB2 for me pre-Combine, then the story in Indianapolis gets ugly: He turned-in an overall stinky weekend (4.64 forty and “just” a 34-inch vertical), and now with pro days cancelled, it’ll be hard to select him inside the first two rounds or so.
I think the Raiders are fine n should have Worley back n worry about the D Line n LB. If they were 2 get another good LB n DL then draft gud WR(s) LB, n DL they will b in ok shape. I think CB was not as urgent if they kept Worley or bring him back. They should have never picked up Joyner thats 4sure.
Gruden is a retard though n will continue 2 make stupid decisions like wasting money n roster spot 4 guys like Whitten. Gud choice Jon u r a superior football mind (NOT).