In the next NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders need to put together a strong set of picks. Las Vegas needs to have a successful draft haul to build on their successful start to free agency. One of the most important aspects of any rebuild is assembling strong draft classes.
The quarterback position will no longer be the Raiders’ biggest need following their free agency additions and the anticipated arrival of quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
The position group has been strengthened by Mendoza and Kirk Cousins. Cornerback is Las Vegas’ greatest need, second only to quarterback.
In addition to acquiring veteran cornerback Taron Johnson, Las Vegas re-signed veteran cornerback Eric Stokes. It is anticipated that second-year cornerback Darien Porter will develop into an even more reliable member of the Raiders’ secondary. However, aside from that, the position group lacks depth.
Depending on how the teams choose after Mendoza and before the Raiders select again at No. 36, the draft offers Las Vegas an opportunity to add substantial quality at the position. The cornerbacks in Las Vegas require a talent infusion. They require several cornerbacks, including one of the best.
With only one injury, Las Vegas may have one of the weakest cornerback corps in the league. This isn’t exaggeration. Although the Raiders’ current group of cornerbacks is concerning, selecting one or two cornerbacks in the draft would be sufficient to address the problem for the time being.
To improve a number of its roster position groups, Las Vegas will probably need several offseasons. The cornerback position is the one where this is most true. The Raiders should actively address a position that has hampered them for several seasons at this point.
John Spytek, general manager of the Raiders, recently discussed Porter’s progress and the current state of the Las Vegas group of cornerbacks. Spytek was cautious not to reveal anything as the draft draws near, but the Raiders’ desire for a cornerback is well known.
Darien’s season-ending performance last year pleased me. So far, his offseason has been fantastic. He has spent a lot of time here, and we have witnessed his physical development. At the team’s pre-draft press conference, Spytek stated, “I think you always expect guys to make a pretty large jump between years one and two.”
“I’m proud of him for how he handled the summer and how he performed last year. Regarding the other portion of your question, I believe we should add competition to every area, and we will do so if we believe it is beneficial for us to add a cornerback or a linebacker. However, we want each player to earn a spot in the starting lineup.
The Dream Trade
The Raiders’ ideal trade would be to go back into the first round and get any cornerback who is still on their list. It makes too much sense given how thorough the Raiders’ front management has been this offseason and how much assistance they require at cornerback.
This would be a fantastic offseason for Spytek and the Raiders if they could add a first-round cornerback to complement the arrivals of Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker, Kwity Paye, and the respective returns of Stokes and Maxx Crosby.
Important Note
The Raiders can ensure they select a guy who can contribute immediately by trading back into the first round of the draft. The Raiders need to find another player who can contribute right away because Mendoza is expected to start the season as the backup.
An immediately impactful player is just what the Raiders are missing at corner. It completes the puzzle of the Raiders’ offseason. Las Vegas would benefit from a trade back into the first round for a top-tier safety or cornerback.
