Top 10: Players to Watch At the Combine

9/8. Jason Verrett/Justin Gilbert

Jan 3, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Justin Gilbert (4) intercepts a pass and runs up the field during the game against the Missouri Tigers in the 2014 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Missouri won 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

I lumped these two cornerback prospects because they are both projected to be first round picks and they both have a small chance of being drafted by the Raiders if they were to trade down in the first round. Justin Gilbert is a player many are talking about as the best corner in this draft and a guy who could run the fastest 40 yd dash this weekend. Jason Verrett might not have the same elite speed Gilbert possesses but he is a great athlete in his own right and excels in man to man coverage. With a great combine performance from either one of these two players Reggie McKenzie could be compelled to trade down in the draft and pick one of these players. This is not the most likely scenario for the Raiders because they drafted DJ Hayden in last years draft but with today’s NFL being more passing oriented Oakland might want to pair two young dynamic cornerbacks on the outside and resign Tracy Porter to play in the slot. This secondary would be greatly improved over last seasons and would obviously help their defense considerably. While this scenario is not likely it is possible if the pieces fall into place and McKenzie sees what he likes from one of these two players.