Oakland Raiders: 10 prospects to watch in the Senior Bowl

Defensive Backs

The Raiders saw two first round picks step up in a big way this past season, as Karl Joseph (2016), and Gareon Conley (2017) both took a major step forward in their development. In fact, you could argue that the two were some of the better defensive backs in the division, and will be counted on to lead this group in 2019 and beyond.

Amani Oruwariye, Cornerback, Penn State

While Conley shined in year two, there is still a lot of work to be done at the position group. Nick Nelson was a nice get in the fourth round in 2018, and Daryl Worley played very well on a one-year contract this past season.

In the 2019 NFL Draft, Penn State’s Amani Oruwariye is one of the better cornerbacks available, and could be a Raider next season if they can get him with one of their first four picks. He is slated as a late-first, to early-second round pick, which is right in the Raiders wheelhouse of selections.

Marvell Tell III, Safety, USC

Joseph stepped up big time for Oakland in 2018, and should be a mainstay in the starting lineup in 2019. However, while Erik Harris played very well,  there is not too much depth behind him and Joseph, so the Raiders will definitely be in the market for a safety this offseason.

Marvell Tell III is another USC defender to keep an eye on, because he is going to be a good player at the next level. Tell is a big safety, and during his time at USC, became a real student of the game, and should be a polished player entering his rookie season.

Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State

Staying with the safeties, Johnathan Abram from Mississippi State is a guy who has been mocked everywhere from the first round, to the third, and could be a nice get for the Raiders with their fourth or fifth pick in April. He has the ability to step right in and start as a rookie, and some feel he was the hardest hitter in the SEC this past season.