Heading into the 2020 offseason, it appears the Raiders have two defined needs they will likely address in the first round of the draft; wide receiver and linebacker. Both of those positions need an influx of talent and speed in the worst way. However, don’t consider a lock that they select both a receiver and a linebacker in the first round of the draft.
General manager Mike Mayock isn’t going to reach for a position of need if it means passing up better players. While the Raiders are certainly an improving team, there aren’t many positions on the roster that couldn’t use upgrading. That is why it’s not unlikely the Raiders surprise us all on draft night and select a player that may be off our radars.
In a recent mock draft by Joe Marino of The Draft Network, he has the Raiders selecting cornerback Kristian Fulton from LSU. Take a look at Marino’s thoughts on why this pairing makes sense for the Raiders:
If there’s anything we learned from Mike Mayock’s first draft with the Oakland Raiders is that he values players from successful college programs. Staying on-brand, Kristian Fulton was an elite corner for LSU, which is in the conversation as one of the greatest teams in college football history. The Raiders have a massive need at cornerback and Fulton is exceptional. Everything he does in coverage is incredibly natural, and he thrives in a variety of coverage techniques. Fulton has the athletic profile, technical refinement, experience, balls skills and footwork to become dominant at the next level.
If you haven’t had a chance to watch Fulton yet, he will be at the 2020 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. With a strong week of practice, Fulton could solidify himself as the second-best cornerback in the draft behind Ohio State’s Jeffrey Okudah. Look for Fulton to excel in one-on-one drills and for him to be a potential target for the Raiders in the first round.
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