The Raiders had a chance to select arguably the top cornerback in the 2023 NFL Draft in Christian Gonzalez (Oregon) at No. 7. The 6’1, 197-pound cornerback was one of the best players in the nation last year and was about as clean of a prospect as it gets.
The Raiders decided to pass on Gonzalez at No. 7, Tyree Wilson from Texas Tech instead. While it’s way too early to make any conclusions about that pick, it’s tough not to think about how much of an impact Gonzalez would have had on this defense considering their need at cornerback.
Buy Raiders TicketsThe hope is that Wilson can be the team’s long-term bookend opposite of Maxx Crosby. And if that’s the case, he will be well worth the pick. However, what’s clear is that the Raiders will need to address their cornerback room once again next offseason.
In a recent article by Pro Football Focus, they wrote about the cornerback position for the Raiders and their lack of long-term talent. That’s why Clemson CB Nate Wiggins should be on their radar for the 2024 NFL Draft. Here is what they had to say about arguably the best cornerback in next year’s class:
Wiggins is tall and long at 6-foot-2 with an edge to his game in coverage, especially when going up against bigger wide receivers. Wiggins earned a 78.9 coverage grade in 2022 with 10 pass breakups and a 50.8% allowed completion rate.
His tape from the Florida State game battling big wide receivers Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson was impressive, and he allowed zero receptions on four targets with a pass breakup.
The Raiders are hopeful that Jakorian Bennett can make major strides this season as an outside cornerback. Nate Hobbs can play both spots, but they need another outside cornerback with some length and athleticism.
We shall see if they attack that need in free agency or the draft, but there is no doubt that cornerback is among their biggest needs right now.
