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Oakland Raiders: Ranking the top ten safeties in the 2016 NFL Draft

By Austin Gayle

Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats running back Nick Wilson is tackled by Boise State Broncos safety Darian Thompson (4) in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats running back Nick Wilson is tackled by Boise State Broncos safety Darian Thompson (4) in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; LSU Tigers safety Jalen Mills (28) reacts after making a defensive play against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; LSU Tigers safety Jalen Mills (28) reacts after making a defensive play against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Jalen Mills, LSU

Though he isn’t a top-tier tackler near the line of scrimmage or a devastating hitter like some of the other safeties on this list, Jalen Mills, a former cornerback at LSU, can excel at multiple positions in the NFL due to his ability to make plays on the ball in coverage.

Mills accumulated 95 combined tackles and three interceptions as a four-year starter with LSU.

At 6’0”, 191 pounds, Mills’ small frame can make him a liability against some of the bigger, physical tight ends in the NFL, but when he is allowed to play deep zone coverage or lock up on a slot receiver he rarely fails to impress.

Mills could provide depth both at safety and at corner during his first year in the NFL, which would make him an ideal fit in Oakland. Given his versatility, Mills would be a quality selection in either the second or third round.

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