Oakland Raiders: Go defense heavy in initial seven-round mock draft

The talent level at this stage of the Draft is starting to decline a bit, but the Raiders can use this pick to help add some depth to their secondary, albeit with a player who might be a bit of a project.

At six-foot, 205 pounds, Arrion Springs has terrific size. And over his 47 games with the Ducks, he didn’t put up eye-popping numbers, but they were respectable — 137 total tackles, 42 passes defensed, and two interceptions.

Springs has terrific instincts and good speed. He’s got length to his body and long arms, and can anticipate the ball pretty well – as evidenced by a fantastic number of pass break ups.

He’s not generated much buzz, though he was an All Pac-12 honorable mention and was Pro Football Focus’ first team All Pac-12. Springs is also the top rated defensive back in the Pac-12 according to PFF.

There is some concern about his willingness to tackle and how he deals with physical receivers. However, those are issues that could – could – be ironed out if he’s coached up well.

Springs is not going to be your lockdown, number one starter. But, he could be very good in rotation, possibly even getting some work in the slot.

The Raiders need some talent and depth on the corners, so with the two-hundred and eighteenth pick, they roll the dice.