Oakland Raiders: Ranking Team’s Biggest Needs Heading Into The Draft
By Kevin Saito
A Need, But One That Can Be Put Off For Now
Safety is a position the Raiders are going to need to upgrade, but it’s a can they might be able to kick down the road a bit for now. Eventually though – and probably sooner rather than later – the Raiders are going to need to grab a safety to pair with young thumper Karl Joseph.
Reggie Nelson wasn’t all bad last season. He made some plays, as his five interceptions will tell you. But he also found himself out of position and getting burned deep way more often than anybody should be comfortable with. He’s the last line of defense and all too often, he wasn’t there.
So, while safety is a concern for the Raiders, it’s not one that has to be addressed right now. They certainly shouldn’t burn an early pick on a safety. If they want to take a flier on a guy in the later rounds, or even add one as a UDFA, that will probably get them through the year.
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One name that’s surfaced in connection with the Raiders a few times is Washington safety Budda Baker. He’s fast, flies around the field, and isn’t afraid to stick his nose in on run defense. But at 5’10”, 195 pounds, some scouts have concern about his size and durability at the next level. He’s also projected to go sometime in the second or third round – and Oakland’s need isn’t that great at the moment.
Miami’s Rayshawn Jenkins (6’1”, 220 pounds), Oklahoma’s Ahmad Thomas ( 6′, 215 pounds), or Clemson’s Jadar Johnson (6′, 206 pounds) could be solid late round picks if the Raiders choose to address the safety spot in the Draft.
One sleeper pick to keep an eye on – one who may not hear his name called during the Draft, but one who could provide some solid value and production — is BYU’s Kai Nacua, who at 6’2”, 215 pounds, is athletic, instinctive, and a ballhawk, nabbing six interceptions in both 2015 and 2016.