Oakland Raiders: Don’t overlook the cornerback class in the first round

The Oakland Raiders allowed the most points in franchise history in 2018. Aside from pass-rushers, team brass may take a cornerback in the first round.

Everyone knows the Oakland Raiders need pass-rushers. Overall, the defense recorded 13 sacks; Maurice Hurst led the team in that category with four. Instead of beating a dead horse, let’s talk about another position that may rank high on the needs list.

Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther spent four years with the Cincinnati Bengals in the same position between the 2014-17 terms. In that span, the franchise selected two cornerbacks in the first round of the draft, Darqueze Dennard (2014) and William Jackson (2016) — both the No. 24 overall picks in their respective draft classes.

Ironically, the Raiders have the 24th overall pick in the upcoming draft, but we won’t draw conclusions based on coincidence. Although it’s not the biggest need, Oakland should look to address the cornerback position in the early rounds of the selection process in April.

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Cornerback Gareon Conley took a major leap forward between his rookie and sophomore seasons, which started with him staying healthy. He recorded 15 pass breakups and three interceptions in 15 appearances. The Ohio State product is the future at the position, but the Raiders had some instability on the opposite side of the field.

Rashaan Melvin and Daryl Worley saw the most snaps on the boundary behind Conley for the Silver and Black, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required); both have expiring contracts—the latter a restricted free agent.

It’s plausible to believe the Raiders would consider attaching a tender to Worley, who just turned 24 years old with his best playing days likely in front of him. Rookie fourth-rounder Nick Nelson may take another step toward claiming the slot position. He took the second-most snaps inside (130) last season, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required)

We can’t assume Nelson is prepared to hold down the slot position, though. If the Raiders allow Worley to walk during free agency, put the silver and black spotlight on cornerbacks in the first round of the draft. The pass rush and coverage work hand in hand when attempting to disrupt the aerial attack.

While it’s fair to assume a defensive end goes to Oakland in the opening round, head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock may add a cornerback to form a strong tandem to lock down the perimeter. Ideally, it’s best to take a prospect capable of shifting between the boundary and the slot for flexibility—in case Nelson doesn’t take a sophomore leap.

Keep in mind the Raiders allowed the most passing touchdowns (36), despite Conley’s solid season. Safety help could also strengthen the back end, but smart quarterbacks will simply avoid the top cornerback and focus on weak links downfield. Oakland absolutely needs a reliable No. 2 cover man in a division with quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Philip Rivers throwing darts to their pass-catchers.

If the Bengals’ draft history with Guenther pulling strings on defense means anything, the Raiders may supply him with another first-round cornerback prospect. Byron Murphy and Deandre Baker come to mind as potential late-Day 1 targets.

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