Raiders draft options to watch in the CFP Championship game

LSU Tigers

Kristian Fulton (CB)

It’s clear, the Raiders have found a young foundational piece at cornerback with Trayvon Mullen, who played in this game last year as a member of the Clemson Tigers. Although, with that said, their secondary still experienced their fair share of issues during last season, so exploring options at cornerback still remains in the cards.

The talented Kristian Fulton still found ways to shine, despite playing alongside a loaded LSU secondary. Fulton entered the college ranks as the No.1 cornerback recruit entering the 2016 season, and now three years later he’s lived up to the bill — ranking among the top cornerbacks in college football. Fulton plays with much fluidity in his coverage ability and that looks to translate well once he arrives in the NFL.

K’Lavon Chaisson (Edge)

Last year’s draftee, Maxx Crosby provided a much-needed boost in pass rush, but more help on the defensive line still remains much-needed for Paul Gunther’s defense. K’Lavon Chaisson ranks among a top three edge defender in this year’s draft class.

Chaisson is a disruptive defender who consistently impacts the game in multiple ways. During the matchup against Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl, Chaisson recorded two sacks, six solo tackles and applied numerous pressures on quarterback Jalen Hurts. Chaisson possesses a rare combination of bend, while also utilizing a strong bull rush technique to get his hands on opposing quarterbacks. He’s likely to hear his name called during the first half of round one.

Justin Jefferson (WR)

The Raiders are expected to target a wide receiver early in the 2020 draft. Justin Jefferson is an intriguing pass catcher who took large strides during his junior year, posting 1,434 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Obviously, he thrived in large part of catching passes from the consensus number one overall pick, Joe Burrow. However, Jefferson has helped build his stock in his own right, displaying good instincts and a crafty route runner who sets up defenders very effectively. Jefferson appears to be one of the potential seven wide receivers who could hear their name called on day one of the draft and certainly a player the Raiders may look to target near the end of round one.

Jacob Phillips (LB)

With the draft approaching in April, the Raiders find themselves in a similar position that they’ve been in many times before. They’re desperate for linebacker help. This year’s draft class contains a small list of linebackers with first round grades, so they could be limited in fixing their biggest need.

LSU’s Jacobs Phillips is a player that projects as a mid-round pick, but still could provide an immediate impact in year one. Phillips has patrolled the second level of the Tigers’ defense for two years, leading the team in tackles this season with 105. He can play the run exceptionally, recording four games with double-digit tackles this season.

While Phillips gets a lot of recognition for his tackling and ability too clog the holes on the offensive line, he’s also been asked to play in space. Phillips is a legitimate option for the Raiders with one of their three third round selections.