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Raiders 2018 NFL Draft: 5 potential first-round picks

By Brad Weiss

ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 4: A. J. Turner No. 25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks is tackled by Roquan Smith No. 3 of the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 4: A. J. Turner No. 25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks is tackled by Roquan Smith No. 3 of the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 02: Denzel Ward No. 12 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates an interception against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 02: Denzel Ward No. 12 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates an interception against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

The cornerback position is definitely an area of need for the Raiders, and it is possible that they dip into the Ohio State pool once again in 2018. Last year, the Raiders spent their first round pick on Gareon Conley, who was supposed to go a lot higher, but had some off-the-field issues that scared teams away.

Once with the team, Conley did not do much to help them out, as he was injured with a shin issue for most of the season. Still, Guenther loves Conley, and actually had him rated as the best cornerback coming out during the 2017 NFL Draft.

Already this offseason, the Raiders have lost David Amerson to the Kansas City Chiefs, though that won’t make Raiders fans too sad. There is still the issue of Sean Smith, who just has not been a productive player since coming over from Kansas City.

With their first round pick, the Raiders may choose to draft a starting cornerback, and Denzel Ward will be just that when he gets to the league. Ward has elite coverage skills, and like Marshon Lattimore did last season with the New Orleans Saints, could have an instant impact in a position group that seriously needs help.

The team may bring back T.J. Carrie, but they need depth. Ward would be a starter from day one, and with a healthy Conley, the Raiders would have two very talented, young cornerbacks. Ward will go early in the first round, and he fits what the Raiders need right now.

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