With their needs at defensive end, running back and safety already addressed, the Raiders can now turn their attention to the cornerback position at No. 35 (if they don’t select a guard). Luckily for Oakland, the draft is loaded with talent at cornerback, especially early in the round.
Today, we are taking a look at five potential options for the team with the 35th pick.
Byron Murphy, Washington
Arguably the best cornerback in the 2019 NFL Draft could be available for the Raiders second-round pick; Washington’s Byron Murphy.
According to Pro Football Focus, Murphy was the No. 1 cornerback prospect in this class and the 6th-ranked player on their board as he allowed a completion percentage of just 47.7% in 2018.
Murphy is an undersized cornerback with only average athleticism, but he is one of the fiercest defenders you will see. He projects as a versatile cornerback who can play in both the slot and on the outside.
He would give the Raiders another defender who isn’t afraid to tackle and can make plays on the football. Expect Murphy to be one of the first picks on Friday evening.
Greedy Williams, LSU
At one point in the draft process, LSU’s Greedy Williams was in consideration for the Raiders at pick No. 4. But after questions about his tackling ability arose, Williams has fallen out of the first round.
However, Oakland could be in a position to stop his fall at No. 35. Considering that the team has addressed every position outside of cornerback on defense, Williams would make a fantastic fit opposite of Gareon Conley.
According to Pro Football Focus, Williams was the ninth-rated player in the 2018 NFL Draft and was listed just three spots behind the top cornerback in Byron Murphy.
Conley and Williams would give the team two of the most athletic corners in the league. Don’t be surprised if Greedy is one of the first players selected on Friday evening.
Justin Layne, Michigan State
If Oakland is searching for a cornerback with size, speed, and athleticism, look no further than Michigan State’s Justin Layne.
Layne is a former collegiate receiver who moved to cornerback during the 2017 season. In 2018, he recorded 16 pass deflections as he was named a Second Team, All-Big Ten selection. He impressed at the NFL Combine, jumping 134 inches in the broad jump. Layne tested in the 87th percentile, according to 3sigmaathlete.com.
Layne is far from a finished product, but his upside is immense. He projects as a future NFL starter and would be a perfect fit in Paul Guenther’s defense opposite of Gareon Conley.
Rock Ya-Sin, Temple
Over the last few weeks, Temple’s Rock Ya-Sin has risen up the draft boards of many. At nearly 6’0, 192 pounds, Ya-Sin has excellent size and strength as he was a former wrestler in college.
During his college career, Ya-Sin started 36 total games, tallying 43 pass deflections and seven interceptions. In 2018, he was named an All-AAC first-team selection as he recorded 47 tackles, 14 pass deflections, and two interceptions. According to Pro Football Focus, Ya-Sin never allowed a single reception above 18 yards in 2018.
If Oakland is searching for a physical cornerback with high character and work habits, Ya-Sin could be their man. Don’t expect him to stay on the board very long on the second day of the draft.
David Long, Michigan
David Long is one cornerback that hasn’t gotten enough attention from the draft media.
While he isn’t overly big, Long did run a 4.45 40-yard dash and produced an elite three-cone time of 6.45 seconds. He is one of the quickest corners to ever come into the NFL. Even better, he tested in the 91st percentile of all cornerbacks to enter the league, according to 3sigmaathlete.com.
Despite his size, Long was only an outside cornerback at Michigan. He’s an extremely tough player who doesn’t beat very often. Oakland may be searching for a player with more size, but Long is rock-solid.
If the Raiders decide to move down in the round some, look for Long to be a potential option for the team.
