Oakland Raiders: 5 Sleeper first-round targets in 2018 NFL Draft

Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville

If you think Rashaan Melvin, Shareece Wright and Leon Hall are enough to fix the Raiders’ problems at cornerback, you’re sadly mistaken. Despite those three free agency additions, there’s plenty of work yet to be done in the Oakland secondary.

Up to this point, I’ve seen some of the more popular names find their ways into Raiders mock drafts. I’m sure you’ve read them before — Joshua Jackson, Mike Hughes, Denzel Ward. However, you may be overlooking another cornerback prospect who could easily convince someone he deserves to be a Top 10 pick.

Yes, I’m talking about Jaire Alexander, if you haven’t figured that out yet.

The Louisville product was a sensational talent during his days with the Cardinals. He’s physical, athletic and has a knack for getting his hands on the football. Just a quick peek at his film shows you an aggressive, playmaking cornerback who isn’t afraid to lower the boom. Just the type of cornerback the Raiders need to turn their pass defense around in a hurry.

Alexander seems like a strong fit in the slot, which would allow Melvin and Gareon Conley to man the outsides. However, he’s still long and talented enough to push the Raiders’ 2017 first-round pick for the starting job. Either way, he’d see snaps early in the Bay Area if picked at No. 10.