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NFL Draft 2017: Oakland Raiders first-round grade

By Brad Weiss

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Gareon Conley (8) gets the crowd into the game during the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Gareon Conley (8) gets the crowd into the game during the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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For the first time in a long time, the Oakland Raiders earned a late-first round pick, which they used to select Gareon Conley out of Ohio State.

The Oakland Raiders were one of the best teams in the AFC last season, as many believed they would challenge the New England Patriots for a shot at the Super Bowl. However, a devastating injury to quarterback Derek Carr in Week 16 derailed any chance of that, and they would lose in the Wild Card Round to the Houston Texans a few weeks later. This group comes into the 2017 seasons with high expectations, and it could be a special season in Oakland when all is said and done.

This week, the Raiders filled a huge void on their roster, signing a former All-Pro running back. Hometown hero Marshawn Lynch came out of retirement to suit up for the Silver and Black for the next two seasons, which will be their last in Oakland. This offseason, the Raiders finalized a move to Las Vegas for the 2020 season, and will play out the final two years of the lease they have with the City of Oakland in 2017 and 2018.

Based on their performances over the last 15  years, the Raiders normally would be picking a lot earlier in the first round. However, they earned the No. 24 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and knew they would have to bolster the defense with the pick. Oakland did just that, selecting out of Gareon Conley out of Ohio State.

Conley is a fantastic talent, and one who should be able to come in and play right away. The biggest issue with Conley has been an off-the-field incident that could have major ramifications depending on the outcome. Conley has said he is innocent of the rape allegations, and the Raiders apparently trust him enough to make him a first round pick.

Before the incident, many believed that Conley would be a top-15 pick, which shows how talented he is. The Raiders need help at cornerback, and bringing in Conley makes perfect sense as long as he is eligible to play when the season rolls around.

Next: Oakland Raiders: List of 2017 NFL Draft picks

Nothing will ever match the 2014 NFL Draft, where the Raiders selected Khalil Mack in the first round, and then Derek Carr in the second. After a 12-4 season, the Raiders just need to add a few more pieces, and they grabbed a good one on Thursday night. The Silver and Black may not be in Oakland for much longer, but this roster will certainly make the rest of their time there special.

Grade: B

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