We are just 11 days away from the 2021 NFL draft and there certainly isn’t a consensus as to what the Raiders will do with pick No. 17. The belief is that they will go offensive tackle, but there isn’t even a consensus as to who that would be.
There is still a thought out there from the national media that the team could use their top pick on a defender. It’s also possible they could use that pick to address their secondary, which needs some help despite the team spending the No. 19 pick on Damon Arnette last season.
In a recent mock draft by Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus, he had the Raiders selecting another cornerback who can both play in the slot and on the outside. Here is what Palazzolo had to say about the possible selection of Greg Newsome and the Las Vegas Raiders:
“The bottom line for the Raiders is if they don’t improve at cornerback, they have little shot of contending in a division with Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and an emerging passing attack in Denver. Newsome has the skillset for Gus Bradley’s new Cover 3 scheme, as he is solid in off coverage while also showing the footwork to hang in press coverage.
He took great strides by earning an 83.8 coverage grade and allowing a passer rating of just 31.7 in 2020. The Raiders can add him to the mix with Treyvon Mullen and Damon Arnette, who both posted sub-60.0 PFF grades last season.”
Newsome would give the Raiders more depth at the cornerback position and would allow a true competition between Mullen, Arnette and himself. He could even play in the slot, if needed and has the playmaking skills that Gus Bradley covets.
If the Raiders decide to go defense in Round 1, consider Newsome a possible selection at No. 17 due to his athleticism and ball skills.
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