Oakland Raiders Mock Draft: JBB Staff Mock Round 2

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Sep 6, 2014; Boise, ID, USA; Colorado State Rams wide receiver Kyle Plum (26) is taken down by Boise State Broncos safety Darian Thompson (4) during the first quarter verses the Boise State Broncos at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Smith: Darian Thompson, S, Boise State

Why I Like This Pick: This may seem high for a safety, and for Thompson perhaps. The Raiders need depth here, though. Despite coming off his best season, newly signed free safety Reggie Nelson is 32 years old and on a two-year contract. Nate Allen was re-signed at a discount after re-injuring his knee last season and his durability has never been trustworthy.

After them, the only depth after the retirement of Raider legend Charles Woodson is T.J. Carrie, who is a natural corner but filled in well when needed at safety last season, and the underwhelming but serviceable Larry Asante.

With Karl Joseph likely gone, and as T.J Green from Clemson gains buzz and will likely be gone as well, Thompson is the next best option. Though he was a ballhawk as a free safety at Boise State, with 19 career interceptions, he has good size at 6’3, 208 pounds and had 8.5 tackles for loss last season, showing his ability to stop the run as well.

Thompson is a versatile safety who’s main concern is his tendency to float and let receivers get behind him for deep balls. If he plays strong safety next to Nelson, he won’t have to worry about that and can concern himself solely with using his size to stop the run while applying his playmaking abilities on the back end. Plus, he’ll be primed to step in for Nelson when age does catch up to him.

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