Although the Raiders seem to boast a full secondary, room for talented rookies exists. In that case, the 2018 draft features a talented array of defenders.
Parry Nickerson
He is a fast, feisty ball hawk who could come in day one to challenge for the starting nickel spot. Raiders defensive backs have had a problem tracking the ball in the air and giving up big plays to fast receivers. His 4.32 speed makes him the perfect candidate to put the clamps on Tyreek Hill once and for all. He would also have time to develop behind Rashaan Melvin, Shareece Wright, and Gareon Conley. If he lasts until the third or shockingly fourth round, he could be a steal.
After running a 4.49 at his pro day, the former Stanford Cardinal impressed. He is not just a big, physical corner who cannot move. Meeks fits the mold of big, physical corners the Raiders historically like. Throw in his 39-inch vertical, NFL bloodlines from his father Ron Meeks, excellent coaching he got at Stanford and the rigorous education & the Raiders could have themselves a fourth, or fifth round gem who played in Palo Alto.
Terrell Edmonds
A physical freak just like his brother Tremaine, Terrell could start day one and surpass the physicality that Karl Joseph brings to the table. With 4.47 speed & a 41.5-inch vertical, Edmonds athletically is an excellent match up for tight ends and could change the completion of your special teams unit. He was an enforcer for the Hokie secondary with the ball skills to not be a liability on passing downs. Edmunds would also provide excellent depth at strong safety. Plus, he could be molded into a better version of current Bengals safety George Iloka. He might go as high as the third round and skill set would be hard to pass up.
He is by no stretch a ball hawk but just like at Alabama, Brown could be a great special enforcer with his tackling ability & 4.35 speed. Just on his natural tenacity alone, he could steal a spot from a lower level corner. He could very well be around until the sixth round.
Deatrick Nichols
Even though he played outside for the South Florida Bulls, his best asset is his ability to live & thrive in the slot. Running a 4.33 at USF’s pro day helps his stock tremendously & his 11 career interceptions are a solid indicator of his ball skills & ability to make plays on the ball. Raiders corners just have not been able to do that. He could be a solid pick up as late as the seventh round.
