Draft expert predicts Raiders take correct approach in first round
The Las Vegas Raiders need defense. We have preached it all year long. Why the Raiders are thinking of trading up and taking a quarterback when they just signed Jimmy Garoppolo to a huge deal is beyond me. Why they want to do that when they need defense everywhere, I have no idea. On defense […]
The Las Vegas Raiders need defense. We have preached it all year long. Why the Raiders are thinking of trading up and taking a quarterback when they just signed Jimmy Garoppolo to a huge deal is beyond me. Why they want to do that when they need defense everywhere, I have no idea.
On defense there are tiers to what is the Raiders' biggest need, and what is their lowest need. Even their lowest need, the edge rusher position, needs some help. They need defensive tackle help, they need linebackers, and they need defensive backs, in that order from least to greatest.
This draft has it all, but they especially have defensive backs deep in the draft. I have been shouting from the rooftops that what they should do with pick seven, and one ESPN analyst and a draft expert would agree with me.
Kiper's pick: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
I thought hard about Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, but the reality is the Raiders believe they have the roster to compete in the AFC West this season. That's why they signed Jimmy Garoppolo. If they want a defender to help them in 2023, it's Witherspoon, who could immediately become their top guy
-Mel Kiper, ESPN
Witherspoon is the perfect pick, for a few reasons. They need defensive back help, primarily at cornerback, and Witherspoon is the best in the draft at that position. He plays the style that defensive coordinator Patrick Graham likes to play. Witherspoon is a press-man corner, meaning he can play up close to the line and plays man-to-man coverage. He is physical and can lay hits even at 182 pounds.
The duo of Witherspoon and Nate Hobbs would be elite, and I think it would help take away the issue of getting to the passer. If you cover the receivers, the quarterback has to hold the ball longer.
Witherspoon is the perfect pick.
