Oakland Raiders: Grading Out The 2015 Draft Class
By Kevin Saito
Nov 23, 2013; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones receiver Justin Coleman (80) dives over Kansas Jayhawks defender Dexter McDonald (12) in the third quarter at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Round 7: (242) CB Dexter McDonald
With their third pick in the seventh round – and final pick in the draft – McKenzie chose to (FINALLY) address the team’s need at cornerback. With a very thin cornerback group that includes Carrie, D.J. Hayden, James Dockery, Keith McGill, and Neiko Thorpe, McKenzie very wisely added a little more depth with the selection of McDonald – sixth round pick Ben Heeney’s teammate at Kansas.
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At 6’1”, 205 lbs., McDonald is a big, strong, and fast corner. And even better, he is physical. He ran a 4.42 40 at his pro day, and has an impressive ability to stick with receivers of any size – being able to be physical with the bigger receivers, and knocking the smaller ones off the ball.
Some scouts compare him to New York Jets corner Antonio Cromartie – not a bad comparison.
Many have remarked on the fact that McDonald really matured and adjusted a once poor attitude as he moved through his college seasons, and as a result, he became a better teammate and a better player.
Many feel that he is ready to assume a starting role now. And given the injury history with Oakland’s starting corners – primarily with Hayden – he may get the chance.
It’s a fantastic value pick with a tremendous amount of upside for the Raiders.
Grade: B+
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