In most mock drafts, the Raiders usually end up picking a defensive lineman with their first pick. Typically, the player ends up being Quinnen Williams of Alabama or Josh Allen at Kentucky. Both of those picks seem somewhat likely as the Raiders look to upgrade their defensive line.
What I am more interested in is what the Raiders do at the bottom of the first round, assuming they do grab a pass-rusher at pick No.4. Does Oakland continue to load up on defense or does Jon Gruden look to improve their underwhelming offense? Could they double-dip on the defensive line or could take a look to find a defensive back?
In the latest mock draft at Bleacher Report, Kristopher Knox makes two exciting selections for the Raiders in the backend of the first round. Check out all three picks for the Oakland, courtesy of Bleacher Report:
4. Oakland Raiders: Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
24. Oakland Raiders: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
27. Oakland Raiders: Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
Quinnen Williams and Josh Jacobs have become relatively common picks for the Raiders in the first round. Today, I want to focus on the Raiders pick at No.24: Washington cornerback Byron Murphy.
It appears the Raiders have a star in the making at cornerback in Gareon Conley, but they desperately need a competent cornerback opposite of him. Murphy would be that and so much more.
Murphy lacks elite size and athleticism, but he has every other trait you would want in a starting cornerback. He is a tough, physical cornerback that has the quickness to play outside and in the slot. Murphy is a playmaker who can make quarterbacks pay for inaccurate passes.
In Paul Guenther’s defense, Murphy would be a fantastic fit due to his versatility and mental makeup. The pairing of Conley and Murphy would give the Raiders a set of cornerbacks that can match up with just about any receiving corps in the NFL. If Oakland were able to secure Murphy at the bottom of the first round, that would be a stellar selection by Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden.
