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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Dalvin Cook makes his case

By Brad Weiss

Nov 19, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) carries the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) carries the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 25, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) celebrates after the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa won 40-10 and secured the Heroes Game trophy. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) celebrates after the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa won 40-10 and secured the Heroes Game trophy. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

28. . CB. Iowa. Desmond King. 31. player

The Oakland Raiders won another game this past weekend, and are now the No. 1 seed in the AFC if the playoffs started today. Boasting arguably the best young quarterback in the league, the Raiders clinched their first winning season since 2001 this past weekend, as they beat Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers to move to 9-2. Their offense is loaded with talent, but their secondary could prove to be their kryptonite this season.

Adding quality cornerback depth has to be a priority for an organization that has really hit some home runs in recent drafts. Desmond King of Iowa could have been a first round selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, but he instead decided to return to the Hawkeyes for his senior season. That proved to be a great decision, as he was a big part of the program’s biggest win in recent memory, a home victory against No. 2 Michigan.

Oakland is very close to being a Super Bowl team, and some believe they just may make it this season. However, we need to proceed with caution, because quarterbacks like Tom Brady will likely find it easy to pass the ball against their suspect secondary. King would be an instant upgrade over guys like D.J. Hayden and David Amerson, and would team with Sean Smith to give the Raiders a solid 1-2 punch on the outside.

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