2020 NFL mock draft: Raiders land elite talent in first round

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: A general view of a video board as the Oakland Raiders pick is announced during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: A general view of a video board as the Oakland Raiders pick is announced during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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ATHENS, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 21: Jake Fromm #11 of the Georgia Bulldogs battles for yards while being tackled by Alohi Gilman #11 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Sanford Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 21: Jake Fromm #11 of the Georgia Bulldogs battles for yards while being tackled by Alohi Gilman #11 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Sanford Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

819. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Notre Dame. player. Safety. Alohi Gilman. 84

With Karl Joseph on an expiring contract — not knowing what his future holds with the team, safety is a position the Raiders may look towards. Oakland did select Jonathan Abram in last year’s draft on day one, so it would be shocking if they went safety early on this year. I’d assume a mid round pick to help bolster the secondary is a realistic option for Paul Guenther’s defense as they head to Las Vegas.

Alohi Gilman plays a physical brand of football that should catch the eye of Gruden during the draft process. Gruden always loves players that aren’t afraid to do the dirty work, and that’s Gilman. In his college career he’s been more of a box safety, playing the run and blitzing quite nicely, but covering tight ends have caused him havoc.

Coming off a 90-plus tackling season last year at Navy where he was one of their premier run stuffers, and his play near the line of scrimmage has remained superior during his first season at Notre Dame. In nine games with the Fighting Irish, Gilman has recorded 52 total tackles, two TFL’s, one interception, one PBU, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

Pros:

  • Physical
  • Solid against the run
  • Quality tackler

Cons:

  • Range
  • Short area quickness
  • Lacks anticipation