We’ve spent the last three months trying to guess what the Raiders will do at No. 7. We’ve taken a look at all of their needs, their visits, and more, trying to figure out the direction the team will go with their top choice.
But what should the Raiders do in Round 1? That is a very different question. In a recent article by Adam Rank of NFL.com, he wrote about what every team should do in Round 1.
For the Raiders, that was taking an impactful defender. And for Rank, that defender is Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez. Here is what he had to say about the Raiders and what they should do with their top pick.
Some of your fans have wondered if you will take your quarterback of the future in this spot, but to me, that’s something you should save for a trade back into the end of Round 1, if that’s what you want to do. At No. 7 overall, what you need is a player who can contribute immediately. And you can’t have enough corner help in the NFL, so take Gonzalez.
It’s hard to disagree too much with Rank as Gonzalez is widely viewed as the top cornerback in this year’s class. Pairing him with Nate Hobbs would instantly improve the secondary and give the defense some more help.
If the Raiders decide to take a defender in Round 1, expect Gonzalez to be on the short list of names for them to consider.
