Raiders Draft: Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez
The Las Vegas Raiders need major help on defense, and can improve their biggest flaw immediately with the safest pick
The Las Vegas Raiders have the third most cap space available in the league, per Spotrac.com, at $46 million. So, we can expect to see them make some moves when it comes to free agency. They will need to get the defense better, and that's a great way to do it.
But the other way, and a cheaper way, is to improve the defense through the draft. They have the seventh pick in the draft, and a great position throughout the later rounds too. And, this draft class is loaded with great defensive talent.
But we all know the secondary needs the most help. Luckily for them, the safest pick in the secondary could be available at number seven and instantly make that area better.
Christian Gonzalez, the defensive back from Oregon, may just be the safest pick in the draft when it comes to his position, and the Raiders can't afford to have more first-round picks not hit.
Alex Leatherwood, Henry Ruggs III, Damon Arnette, and Johnathan Abram have all been cut as former first-round picks. Clelin Ferrell and Josh Jacobs are two other former first-round picks that have both had their fifth-year option declined. However, Jacobs has worked out, being the NFL's leading rusher last season.
It's safe to say this one has to hit, and I think Gonzalez is a safe bet to be a great player. He is considered to be the best all-around player at his position in this draft. At least Mike Renner, a draft analyst for Pro Football Focus thinks so.
Gonzalez is the most scheme and alignment versatile corner in the class. Press, off, man, zone, outside, inside – Gonzalez can do it all.
Gonzalez has the size, athleticism, and skill set to be an elite cornerback in this league. At 6'2" and 200 pounds, Gonzalez ran an unofficial time of a 4.38 40-yard dash, which is extremely good for his size.
And, as Renner said, he has all the tools, technique, and everything else you need to be a great player as well. The Raiders need a guy like that in their secondary.
You can read the rest of the PFF report here.
Featured Image Via Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
