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2016 NFL Mock Draft: Oakland Raiders Wisely Take Vernon Hargreaves III

By Dan Schmelzer

Oct 3, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) looks on against the Mississippi Rebels during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Vernon Hargreaves III (1) looks on against the Mississippi Rebels during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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A recent 2016 NFL Mock Draft has the Oakland Raiders landing talented cornerback prospect Vernon Hargreaves III with the 14th overall pick. Landing Hargreaves would be a nearly perfect scenario for the Raiders.

Built around an impressive young core of players on both sides of the ball, the Oakland Raiders are clearly a team on the rise. In fact, with the AFC being seemingly so wide open, the Raiders should be legitimate playoff contenders in the 2016 season.

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They hold the 14th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, and it may be the last time they make a selection in the first half of the first round in a long time. While nothing is for sure, this is a loaded roster that has a ton of promise going forward, and they have an opportunity to land add another valuable piece to the puzzle with their first round selection.

With few obvious needs, the Raiders could go in many different directions with this pick. Running back Ezekiel Elliott would certainly make some sense if he is available, as would a disruptive defensive end like Shaq Lawson. Perhaps an interior pass rusher like Sheldon Rankins would be an option or strong and solid inside linebacker Reggie Ragland?

In his recent 2016 NFL Mock Draft for CBSSports.com, Pete Prisco has Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III slipping to the Raiders at number 14, where Reggie McKenzie and company quickly scoop him up. All of the options mentioned above are enticing for Oakland, but Hargreaves is an absolute perfect fit for this team.

After signing Sean Smith to a free agent contract earlier this off season, cornerback is not as much of a glaring need as it once appeared to be. Smith is a bona-fide number one option at the position, but the Raiders lack depth and talent up and down the depth chart at cornerback. They would be wise to pounce on an opportunity to select a player like Hargreaves.

Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) reacts to a penalty against the Raiders during action against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) reacts to a penalty against the Raiders during action against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Hargreaves is typically knocked for his lack of size at the position (5-foot-10, 204 pounds), but he has never let that become a problem for him. Hargreaves may not match-up perfectly against the tallest receivers, but his lack of size is more than made up for with an aggressive toughness on the field and top-notch athleticism.

Hargreaves has proven man-to-man skills, and has the upside to become a true lock-down corner at the next level. As far as pure cornerback prospects go, Hargreaves is undoubtedly the best prospect in this draft class.

The Raiders’ defense already has some incredible pieces that should turn them into a solid overall unit. The additions of free agent veterans like Smith and linebacker Bruce Irvin will obviously help the Raiders’ defense, but landing a potentially elite cornerback like Hargreaves could easily be the missing ingredient to the unit.

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Hargreaves is an incredibly talented prospect who is going to make a difference at the next level. If Prisco’s 2016 NFL Mock Draft comes true and Hargreaves is available at number 14, the Raiders should be ecstatic to make the selection. Hargreaves is a steal at that point in the draft and helps fill an obvious position of need.

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