After selecting a defensive end, a running back and a strong safety, the Raiders will likely turn their attention to one of two positions in the second round; offensive guard or cornerback.
With pick No. 35, the Raiders are in a position to grab another starting caliber player at their two most significant positions of need. Offensive linemen Cody Ford and Dalton Risner are two of the top players left on the board and both project as starting guards in the NFL. Greedy Williams and Rock Ya-Sin are also two of the highest-rated cornerbacks in the entire class and are still on the board.
But in the latest mock draft of Lance Zielein of NFL.com, Oakland addresses their cornerback need by selecting the talented Byron Murphy from Washington. Take a look at Zielein’s explanation of the pick below:
As new GM Mike Mayock made clear in comments on NFL Network following Round 1, the Raiders are looking for high-football-character players who are ultra-competitive. Check, check.
Murphy is an undersized cornerback with only average athleticism, but he is one of the toughest 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.
