While the Raiders are expected to draft a wide receiver early in the 2020 NFL Draft, it is becoming increasingly more likely that they spend the No. 19 pick on a cornerback.
The Raiders have met with nearly every top cornerback prospect, including TCU’s Jeff Gladney, according to Justin Melo of the Draft Wire.
#TCU CB Jeff Gladney worked out privately for the #Cardinals prior to COVID-19.
Since then, he's met virtually with the #Jets, #Raiders, #Ravens, #Cowboys, #Vikings, #Packers, #Saints, #Falcons, #Titans, #Browns & #Chiefs.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 12, 2020
Gladney is a smaller cornerback at just 5’10, but he is one of the most aggressive defenders in the entire class. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed a passer rating of just 77 in 2019. That was actually up significantly from his 2018 year when he allowed a passer rating of 45 as he surrendered just one score all year long.
Gladney might not have elite measurables, but he has quick feet and never shies away from the moment. He has proven time and time again that he can defend receivers much bigger than him and his confidence will never be shaken.
While pick No. 19 might be a tad too high for Gladney, it’s possible he could be a trade down target if the Raiders decide to move out of that selection. But if they are forced to pick at that spot, don’t be surprised if Gladney gets the nod over other bigger, more athletic cornerbacks in this class as he is a plug-and-play starter opposite of Travyon Mullen.
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