The Raiders are searching for defensive backs with their top pick. They worked most of the third and fourth-round cornerback options with the intent to grab one early. But what one might the Raiders be eying at No. 86?
In a recent article by Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus, he named some of the players with the worst measurables in the class that could become stars in the NFL. That list included Marcus Jones, who appears to be a target for the Raiders.
Here is a snippet of what Monson had to say about Jones and his fit in the NFL:
“There are few smaller players on defense than Houston’s Marcus Jones, who checks in at 5-foot-8 and 174 pounds with just 29-inch arms. He will be immediately pegged as a slot-only at the next level and will be vastly undersized even at that position.
Still, Jones has three straight seasons of high-level college play across two different programs: He earned a PFF coverage grade of at least 80.0 at both Troy and Houston, and he notched had 12 pass breakups to go along with five interceptions in his final season.”
Not only can Jones help immediately as a slot player for the Raiders, but he is also the best kick and punt returner in the draft. Picking him would allow the Raiders to get more dynamic on special teams and it would allow them to not expose Hunter Renfrow to additional hits.
Jones makes so much sense for the Raiders given his versatility and knack for making big plays. Should he be there at No. 86, expect him to be the pick for the new-look Raiders.
