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Oakland Raiders: A few players under the biggest microscope this season

By Kevin Saito

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 18: A detailed view of Oakland Raiders helmets sitting on the bench during the National Anthem prior to their game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 18, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 18: A detailed view of Oakland Raiders helmets sitting on the bench during the National Anthem prior to their game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 18, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Oakland Raiders
EAST HARTFORD, CT – DECEMBER 01: Obi Melifonwu #30 of the Connecticut Huskies runs onto the field prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Rentschler Field on December 1, 2012 in East Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /

Obi Melifonwu

Taken in the second-round of last year’s draft (fifty-sixth overall), Melifonwu came to the Raiders as a raw, but very intriguing safety prospect. At six-foot four, 225 pounds, he’s got terrific size. And having run a 4.4 time in the 40, he’s got outstanding speed and athleticism to burn.

Melifonwu is freakishly athletic but thus far, has been a bit of an enigma to this team. Like last year’s first-round pick, Gareon Conley, injuries hampered Melifonwu, limiting him to a handful of snaps. He’s been rehabbing from surgery, and his absence during the early portion of the offseason work was noticed – and sharply commented on – by Gruden.

There is no telling what Melifonwu can do or add to the Raiders defense simply because we haven’t seen enough of him to see his skill set on display. It seemed clear that when he was available last year, former defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., had no idea what to do with him – even sending him out to take a very ill-fated turn on the corner against Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Add to that, the many questions – from teammates apparently – who questioned his hunger and desire to be great on the NFL stage last year.

With all of the competition brought in to fortify and improve Oakland’s group of safeties, Melifonwu is going to have a short time to prove that he belongs. A short time to prove that he has what it takes to be an NFL safety. And a short time to prove that he deserves a spot on the 53-man roster.

It’s not often you see a team give up on a second-round draft pick after just one season, but it’s not unprecedented. And perhaps, more than anybody else, Melifonwu is on the biggest roster bubble heading into camp.

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