The cornerback position has haunted the Raiders over the last several years and it continues to be a weak spot. The Raiders have gotten better play from that position this year than in years past, but they still could use a bonafide No. 1 cornerback to match up with the top receivers in the conference.
In a recent mock draft by Jordan Reid of ESPN, he had the Raiders using the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry. Here is why Reid believes that would be an ideal fit for both sides:
Las Vegas has a considerable amount of needs on the defensive side of the ball, and it lacks a true CB1. Jakorian Bennett, Nate Hobbs and Amik Robertson are productive young players with potential, but with Marcus Peters on a one-year deal and turning 31 years old this season, the Raiders need more on the outside. At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, McKinstry has the length and ball skills to eventually turn into a top NFL corner.
The Raiders are still in the market for a franchise quarterback and could use more pass-rush help. But cornerback continues to be one of the biggest needs for the Raiders moving forward. After passing on Christian Gonzalez in the 2023 NFL Draft, expect the Raiders to target one early next year.
