2019 NFL Draft: Oakland Raiders 7 round mock draft

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SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 20: Washington’s (1)Byron Murphy (DB) sets up on defense against Colorado’s (9) Juwann Winfree (DB)during the college football game between the Washington Huskies and the Colorado Buffaloes on October 20, 2018 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Jesse Beals/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Round 1 – Pick 27

Byron Murphy, CB, Washington

The last of three first round picks for the Raiders comes via the Dallas Cowboys and the aforementioned Amari Cooper trade. This is the first pick in this mock draft that does not have Oakland replacing a traded player. Instead this pick hits a big area of need for the Raiders, the defensive secondary.

Another lucky break for Oakland as there was only one cornerback taken in the first 26 picks, LSU’s Greedy Williams. That left them with their pick of the rest of the class, a group that is top-loaded but has a steep drop-off after the first two players. Neck-and-neck with Williams is Washington’s Byron Murphy. Some scouts have even preferred Murphy over the more heralded Williams.

Murphy brings the edge you want for successful corners in the NFL. At 6-feet tall, he has good length but his 175 pound frame is a bit concerning. He may never be an elite press corner but his mirror and match skills more than make-up for that. Even if he gets beat off the line, his agility and long speed are top notch. Like most elite players at the position, he’s a bit of a gambler which could get him in trouble. However, he plays the game hard and is a competitive player who can contribute right away. Pairing him with fellow first round pick Gareon Conley gives Oakland a young duo that allows them to be aggressive up front.

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