Josh McDaniels' past could provide major clue for Raiders' No. 7 pick
The Raiders don't have much information to go off of when it comes to recent draft tendencies, as Dave Ziegler is still fairly new in his tenure as general manager. However, Ziegler has spent a lot of his career working with Josh McDaniels, so we can lean on the head coach and the players he […]
The Raiders don't have much information to go off of when it comes to recent draft tendencies, as Dave Ziegler is still fairly new in his tenure as general manager. However, Ziegler has spent a lot of his career working with Josh McDaniels, so we can lean on the head coach and the players he prefers to draft.
It's likely the Raiders will be in position to take a cornerback at No. 7. If they do, there's one trend to pay attention to and it was recently pointed out by Bleacher Report's Matt Holder:
Josh McDaniels has never drafted a corner taller than 6-feet.
Luckily for the Raiders, there is an option in this class that fits McDaniels' preferred mold and he just might be available when the Raiders are on the clock to make their pick.
If the Raiders don't fall in love with any of the quarterbacks, or if they have all been selected by the time they are on the clock, Devon Witherspoon fits what McDaniels is looking for in a corner.
For starters, Witherspoon measured in at 5'11-1/2", so he fits the height criteria that McDaniels has established. He is first and foremost, not afraid of contact, and is one of the most physical players in this year's draft. He is also a capable and willing tackler that is not afraid to come down hill, lower his shoulder, and deliver a blow.
Witherspoon plays with an alpha mentality on every snap. He is going to get in your face and let you know he will be there all game.
Witherspoon is smart, he is smooth when changing directions, he has exceptional ball skills, and he has shown recovery ability.
He is scheme diverse and can play in both heavy man and zone schemes. He is patient in press, dictates routes tempo. He also has experience in the nickel. Everything you want in a corner is there.
The only real "downside", for lack of a better term, is his long speed. He ran a 4.46 at a private workout Daniel Jeremiah reported, so even that is not that big of a concern.
For my money, Witherspoon is the best all-around corner in the class, and carries a top-10 grade for me. The Raiders, who are in need of a cornerback couldn't go wrong making him the selection at seven.
