With the NFL Draft just one day away, it appears that the Raiders have set their sights on improving the defense in Round 1. With one of the worst secondaries in the league, adding a top-tier cornerback seems to be at the top of their to-do list.
That is why it won’t be surprising to see them select a cornerback at No. 7. But what cornerback will be there and do both of the top cornerbacks make it to them in Round 1?
In ESPN’s annual beat writer mock draft, Paul Gutierrez had the Raiders selecting Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez in Round 1. Here is his explanation behind the pick:
The Raiders have long prided themselves on their cornerbacks, boasting the likes of Willie Brown, Lester Hayes, Mike Haynes, Terry McDaniel, Charles Woodson and Nnamdi Asomugha, despite swinging and missing in the first round on Fabian Washington, D.J. Hayden, Gareon Conley and Damon Arnette.
Las Vegas, which ranked 29th in pass defense last season, is betting the 6-foot-1, 197-pound Gonzalez — with his unique blend of physical traits, blazing speed and cover-corner sensibilities — fits with the former group of corners.
Gonzalez has the best combination of size, speed, and athleticism at the cornerback position this year. While he might not be as physical as Devon Witherspoon, both players are worthy of the No. 7 selection.
If the Raiders are lucky enough to wind up with Gonzalez in Round 1, that would be an A+ selection as they would have taken one of the best players in the class and were able to fill a big need.
