Oakland Raiders select Gareon Conley
With the 24th-overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders selected Gareon Conley out of Ohio State University.
A two-year starter at Ohio State, Conley comes out as a corner who has immense talent but lacks a touch of polish. He has the size that every general manager looks for, and could probably add another five pounds of muscle onto this frame. This is something that would benefit him greatly in the NFL, going against larger receivers, especially in press-man technique.
Of course, this pick also hinges on the recent accusations made against him. Should Conley be cleared of all wrongdoing, this could be a home run.
Conley comes form one of the top programs in the country. One of its specialties has been churning out quality defensive backs under head coach Urban Meyer, including Eli Apple, Marshon Lattimore and Malik Hooker. Look for Conley to come in and start right away, playing more outside than in the slot.
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 195
40-time: 4.44
Bench: 11 reps
Vertical: 37”
Broad: 129”
3-cone: 6.68
Of any corner at the combine, Conley had the fastest 3-cone time, showcasing quick feet and burst. If there is any trait a corner would want outside of loose hips, it’s quick feet.
Next: 2017 NFL Draft instant grades
While he may have been just the third-best defensive back in his own secondary last year, there is no reason to believe Conley won’t be an effective corner at the next level. This was a fine pick and an instant-impact situation.