Just Blog Baby
FanSided

2018 Raiders NFL Draft: 5 CBs to target in first two rounds

By Brad Weiss

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Denzel Ward
COLUMBUS, OH – OCTOBER 7: Denzel Ward #12 of the Ohio State Buckeyes hits Taivon Jacobs #12 of the Maryland Terrapins after a reception in the first quarter at Ohio Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. Ward was ejected from the game after being assessed a targeting penalty for the hit. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Denzel Ward is blazing up the mock drafts, and for good reason. Even with a hurt ankle during the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine, Ward blasted a 4.32 40-yard dash. He also put up 16 reps on the bench press, so there is no shortage of physical gifts here.

During his time at Ohio State, Ward had to wait his turn, as he played behind stars like Marshon Lattimore of the New Orleans Saints, and Conley of the Raiders. The Buckeyes have been churning out top talent at the position for years now, and Ward is certainly the next in line.

At 5-foot-10, 191 pounds, Ward is not a very intimidating figure, but he plays much bigger than his frame. He is not afraid to get up and press the wide receiver, and is very adept at going up for the ball when in coverage.

There are a lot of people out there who like Jackson as the top cornerback in this draft class, but Ward has the higher ceiling. Teaming him with his former teammate would give the Raiders two very young, and very gifted cornerbacks to build the secondary around.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders 3-round mock 2.0

If Ward is available at No. 10 overall, the Raiders have to take a hard look at spending a first round pick on a cornerback for the second straight year. Conley has yet to show his potential, but the talent is there, and maybe his former teammate can come in and help get the best out of him.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders Draft