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One possibility that hasn’t been discussed enough in regards to the Raiders at No. 17 is the idea of trading up in this year’s draft. With only three selections in the top-100, the number of assets the team has at its disposal is low and they need depth in the worst way.
However, the defense also needs some top-end talent and a few difference-makers. A small trade-up, let’s say from No. 17 to No. 10, wouldn’t be all that expensive and could allow the team to get an elite defender.
If the Raiders were to move up in the first round, it would need to be for an elite-level prospect that could start on Day 1. It also likely would need to be at a high-money position (offensive tackle, cornerback, edge rusher) and the player would likely need to come from a powerhouse school such as Alabama, Clemson or Ohio State as the Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden prefer big-school prospects.
So which player in this draft fits all of those requirements? The answer; cornerback Patrick Surtain Jr. from Alabama.
Surtain might just be the best cornerback in the class after playing and starting three years for the Crimson Tide. He played a combined 1,536 snaps for Alabama from 2018-2020 including special teams as he is one of the few freshman defenders to ever start under Nick Saban. During those three seasons, he never allowed more than 65 yards in any game and he has the ideal size, speed and length to play in Gus Bradley’s defense.
Surtain would instantly be the team’s best cornerback on the roster and would provide even more competition for Damon Arnette. Surtain also has experience playing in the slot if the Raiders wanted to get Surtain, Arnette and Trayvon Mullen all on the field at the same time.
If Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden want to add a potential elite cornerback to their roster, Surtain would be the ideal fit for the Raiders in a small trade-up. Is that something they will consider? Time will tell, but Surtain remains one of the best possible picks for the Raiders in the first round.
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