NFL teams have begun using analytics to help them not only win football games but to make better decisions when drafting, as well. While the numbers and data might not always tell a team who to draft, but potentially who they should avoid drafting. That, in itself, can be valuable information.
In a recent mock draft by Pro Football Focus, the site took on the difficult task of creating a first-round mock draft using their analytics. With positional value in mind, there were several interesting picks in this mock compared to what we have traditionally seen over the last three months.
For the Raiders at pick No.12, they passed on Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy in favor of LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton. Take a look at PFF’s thoughts on Fulton and this fit with the Raiders:
(Jeff) Okudah is getting all the hype, but Fulton is not far behind him. He earned a top-20 PFF grade in each of the last two seasons. Coverage is the most valuable facet on the defensive side of the ball (yes, more so than pass-rushing), and the top wide receivers are all off the board at this stage.
While the Raiders could certainly use cornerback help, picking Fulton at No. 12 seems like a bit of a reach, especially with C.J. Henderson still on the board. And given that the Raiders need wide receiver help arguably more so than a cornerback, passing on Jeudy doesn’t feel all that likely.
However, keep Fulton in mind at pick No. 19 if the Raiders are able to solve their linebacker and wide receiver need in free agency and/or the draft. Fulton would be a pretty ideal fit opposite of Trayvon Mullen and would give the Raiders two young cornerbacks to build around.
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