I don’t like all the things the NFL Network does, but this link to NFL.com will send you to a great breakdown of the Raiders 2nd pick. I’ve got to admit, I didn’t see this one coming. I was so focused on finding a receiver that could turn into a starter but return kicks and punts right a way, that I didn’t even think we’d grab a corner. The corners I scouted were man-to-man cover corners, and although Branch has the recovery speed to play in the Raiders secondary, he hasn’t worked much man-to-man.
I think this is an excellent selection, and a little insurance incase Nnamdi Asomugha leaves next year. I don’t think Tyvon Branch will be ready to be a star in two years, but the coaches will know what they have by then, and whether he can one day start.