With the Minnesota Vikings now acquiring another first-round pick, it’s looking more likely that the Raiders will be unable to complete a trade-up in Round 1 to secure a quarterback.
While nothing is set in stone, they just don’t have the assets to move up from No. 13 to No. 5 like the Vikings do. But that doesn’t mean the Raiders can’t be successful in Round 1.
In a recent mock draft by Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus, he had the Raiders selecting Alabama CB Terrion Arnold after missing out on the top four QBs in this class. But here is why he believes that Arnold could be a fantastic fit in Las Vegas with Antonio Pierce:
The Raiders should be aggressive in trading up for a quarterback, but with no deal done here, they attack a major area of need by selecting a potential CB1 in Arnold.
The Raiders need a bonafide No. 1 cornerback and haven’t had one since Nnamdi Asomugha. Adding Arnold at No. 13 would allow Nate Hobbs to slide back to the slot, making the entire defense more dangerous. It’s also worth noting that the Raiders did grab a QB in this mock, picking up Michael Penix Jr. (Washington) in Round 1.
Arnold is the most well-rounded cornerback in this class and he’s a lock top-15 pick. Even if the Raiders miss out on a quarterback in Round 1, Arnold would be an excellent second option. He should be one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks by Year 2.
