5 players Raiders should draft in the first round

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 31: Jameson Williams #1 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on prior to playing the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic for the College Football Playoff semifinal game at AT&T Stadium on December 31, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 06: Trent McDuffie #22 of the Washington Huskies celebrates a safety against the Oregon Ducks during the first quarter at Husky Stadium on November 06, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

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.

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