Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
- Pick No. 12: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
- Pick No. 19: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
Vinnie Iyer from Sporting News like the Raiders to address the defensive side of the ball with both of their first round picks this April, adding both a cornerback and defensive tackle to the fold. Sure, the Raiders need help at both cornerback and defensive tackle, but these are not two pressing needs, so this is a draft that certainly went in another direction.
At No. 12, the Raiders bring in LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton, who is widely regarded as one of the better corners in this draft class. Last year, the Raiders added Trayvon Mullen from Clemson in the second round, and he looked all the part of a CB1, so maybe they are thinking of matching him with another solid corner from a big-time program.
The pick at No. 19 is Javon Kinlaw, who we saw the Raiders select in an earlier mock draft. Sure, Kinlaw is a special talent, and would fit right in on this Raiders defensive line, but defensive tackle is a spot where the Raiders could add talent later in the draft, though Brentson Buckner would certainly welcome a player like Kinlaw with open arms.