In the first round of SB Nation NFL writers’ mock draft the Oakland Raiders and Silver and Black Pride had their choice of defenders with players like cornerbacks Tre’Davious White and Gareon Conley and safeties Jabrill Peppers and Obi Melifonwu all available.
2017 NFL mock draft: Fabian Moreau headed to Oakland Raiders
The Raiders get an ace slot cornerback in the second round.
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Instead of choosing a player for the secondary, the Raiders got linebacker Zach Cunningham courtesy of Silver and Black Pride’s Levi Damien. Now in the second round he gets the secondary piece Oakland needs.
56. Oakland Raiders: Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA
Damien: The Raiders are still the all-time leaders in drafted players named Napoleon (three). With their second pick in this draft, they seek to jump out to a commanding lead for all-time picks named Fabian (two). Along with that coveted distinction, the Raiders would be getting a damn fine cornerback with 4.35 speed and the ability to play all over the field in man or zone coverage.
Immediately they would want Moreau for his slot coverage abilities. They have Sean Smith and David Amerson to cover the outside receivers and adding Moreau would solidify the unit and give them depth at the position along with TJ Carrie.
Along with speed and quickness, this 6’0, 204-pounder is very smart. He was a team captain for the Bruins and is known for his ability to diagnose what the offense is doing quickly and put opposing receivers on the Island of Dr. Moreau. Making him a perfect fit for the Cover 3, which Ken Norton Jr. brought over from his time in Seattle.
Analysis: This pick for me would have been a coin flip between Moreau and Adoree’ Jackson of Southern California. While Moreau might be more of a finished product, Jackson doesn’t have the injury issues and can be a stellar return man. Addressing linebacker and cornerback in the first two rounds would address Oakland’s two greatest draft needs. The only caveat here is that you’re basically assuming that Marshawn Lynch — a soon-to-be 31-year-old running back who hasn’t played in a year — will eventually be a Raider. If for some reason he’s not, finding a big workhorse back later will be more challenging.
Dan’s top five players remaining
- 26. Tim Williams, LB, Alabama
- 41. Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee
- 45. Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida
- 50. Curtis Samuel, RB/WR, Ohio State
- 51. Adoree’ Jackson, CB, Southern California
Raiders picks:
- 1-24: Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt
- 2-56: Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA
The final pick of the day is up at 3 p.m. ET with Battle Red Blog making another pick for the Houston Texans.
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