In this latest mock scenario, EDGE defender Kwity Paye was available, however, the Las Vegas Raiders decide to address their putrid pass defense.
Raider Nation might believe that cornerback isn’t necessarily is a need but they still need help defending the pass. The defensive backfield as a whole needs a face lift. Trayvon Mullen is solid and undoubtedly the best corner on the Raiders roster. Damon Arnette, this year’s first-round pick, was either injured, ill, or concussed all year. When he did see the field, he was solid though not necessarily great. The rest of the group is rather youthful but none of the them gives fans a sense of confidence either.
Let’s take a look at a possible scenario for the Raiders if they were to address both their pass and rushing defense right out of the gate.
Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
Raider Nation is probably asking themselves right now, “corner? really?” While the consensus for the Raiders is they an interior defensive lineman, they also need help with their pass defense. This is where Stokes gets the nod, the six-foot-two, 185 pound cornerback had an excellent collegiate career. In three seasons at Georgia, Stokes had four interceptions, 22 passes defensed, and returned two touchdowns on defense. Pro Football Focus is also high on his coverage skills, grading him at 73.4 for this past season. Corner might not be the sexiest pick, but the Raiders might go this route.
Hamilcar Rashed Jr., EDGE, Oregon State
The inability to stop the pass was obvious but so was the inability to get to opposing quarterbacks. Rashed can provide help off edges coming off an impressive college career in the Pac-12 playing at Oregon State. The six-foot-four, 235 pound had his best year in 2019 when he played 11 games for his junior year. He accumulated 14 sacks, 22.5 tackles for a loss, and two forced fumbles. PFF also noted that Rashed’s best season was as a junior where he graded 79.4 overall.
Who the Raiders select as their new defensive coordinator will dictate how these crucial rounds are addressed. What is already know is the fact that the Silver and Black desperately needs an infusion of defensive talent.
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*Top Photo: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
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