2017 Raiders Draft: Three Impact Players at Number 24
Defense be damned! At least, that was the perceived message as the Raiders grabbed more offensive players (four) than defensive (one).
A defense riddled with holes and lack of true identity — remains the team’s biggest need and weakness. Defense seems like the priority in this draft. Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie will see his draft acumen tested he picks near the tail end of the first round.
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Here are three prospects that most likely will be available and make sense at No. 24 overall:
Caleb Brantley DT, Florida: The Raiders are in need of an interior disruptor and this Gator fits the bill. At 6-foot-3, 307 pounds, Brantley plays hungry and is a better pass rusher than stats show (2.5 in 10 games, 8.5 tackles for loss). However, scouts considered slightly undersized and a gambler (especially on snap counts. As a result, offenses drew him offsides 10 times last two years. Yet, Brantley possesses the wiggle to excel as a 3T and a NT’s power. One scout’s take on Brantley: “Considers one-on-one blocks a sign of disrespect.”
Zach Cunningham ILB, Vanderbilt: The Raiders need a “Mike” check and this Commodore can really make music. Similarly, the 6-foot-3, 234 pound Cunningham displays speed and awareness against the run and the pass. He’s the sideline-to-sideline and three-down inside linebacker teams covet. Conversely his thin build and tackling technique both need improvement. Will the Raiders overlook this and see the rangy playmaker as a force?
Obi Melifonwu Safety, Connecticut: The Husky dazzled at the combine showing off freakish athletic ability. In addition, finding a 6-foot-4, 224 pounds rarely happens. With this in mind, will the Raiders draft a safety in Round 1 for a second consecutive year? Melifonwu isn’t a thumper, but he’s effective. Also, he has the coverage skills (speed, agility, hips and hands) to man up with tight ends. This erases a main coverage issue.
On balance, the Raiders sit at 24 with a host of possibilities. In effect, with multiple defensive holes to fill, these three make the most sense. The toughest part of draft season is the wait. On the positive side, the process diverts attention from relocation.
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