3. Trent McDuffie
McDaniels’ offensive leanings make receiver the likely position the team will address in Round 1, but the franchise’s need to land a starting cornerback (or two) this offseason shouldn’t be ignored.
If the Raiders believe they can find better value at receiver on Day 2, they could pull the trigger on a high-quality corner prospect like McDuffie in Round 1. He isn’t on the same level as Sauce Gardner or Derrick Stingley as a prospect, but he solidly projects as an above-average starter on the outside.
The possible departure of Casey Hayward via free agency could leave the Raiders with a massive gap to fill on one side of their defensive secondary. His lack of height and length will prevent him from ever becoming a superstar at that spot, but he’s got all the other qualities required to be a solid starter as a rookie.
The Raiders might want to swing for a player with higher upside at No. 22, but taking McDuffie here would be a smart, sensible choice for a franchise that’s taken far too many draft risks in recent seasons. Whatever he lacks in star quality he makes up for in steadiness and versatility.