Oakland Raiders: Grading every 2018 NFL Draft pick

Grade: C+

Even after a couple of free agent signings, the Raiders need cornerback help and they need it now. Unfortunately, drafting a decent talent only about a month removed from a semi-serious injury isn’t the answer.

For clarification, Nick Nelson tore his meniscus during a pre-draft workout with the Detroit Lions back in early April. Although it was later determined the injury wasn’t as bad as originally expected, it’s still a problem that’s going to limit his availability during the offseason program. For a mid-round pick, that’s a big deal.

You know how the Raiders struggled to create turnovers a season ago? While Nelson’s ball skills are mentioned as a big positive in his game, he never managed a single interception during his time at Wisconsin. Considering he led the nation in passes defended (21) in 2017, it’s a bit baffling he didn’t manage to hold on to one of them.

There’s some intrigue in Nelson, but he won’t be contributing much as a rookie.

Oakland needed a cornerback who can make a difference in Week 1 and throughout the 2018 campaign. Nelson isn’t that cornerback, which makes the selections of Hall and Parker look even worse.