Despite bringing in Lamarcus Joyner in free agency, the Oakland Raiders are doing their homework on the top safeties in the 2019 draft class. With Joyner likely to play in the slot in three-receiver sets, the team needs another reliable safety who can cover and play near the line of scrimmage
One name the team has an apparent interest in is Washington safety, Taylor Rapp. At his Pro Day, he said that he has already met with the Raiders as part of their 30 pre-draft visits.
Rapp started 39 career games at Washington, totaling 168 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss and seven interceptions. He is widely regarded as a top-40 pick and should be a target for the Raiders at pick No.27 or No.35. Rapp finished as Pro Football Focus’ 38th-ranked player in the class and the third-ranked safety.
If selected by Oakland, Rapp is likely to play strong safety. He doesn’t have great speed (4.74 40-yard dash), but he is one of the quickest and most agile safeties in the draft. He does a fantastic job at covering running backs and tight ends and can be the quarterback of the defense.
Look for the Raiders to consider him near the end of the first round.
