Raiders draft options to watch in the CFP Championship game

Clemson Tigers

Isaiah Simmons (LB/S)

There’s no question that Isaiah Simmons would be the perfect match for the Raiders lackluster defense. Simmons is the most versatile defender in all of college football, and his level of play remains superior wherever he lines up. He’s the only player to record at least six sacks and three interceptions among power five eligible players.

Simmons is likely to display his Swiss army knife mentality against LSU in the National Championship, showing he can play multiple positions against top-tier competition. He’s likely to hear his name called in the top half of the first round and someone who’s been linked to the Raiders for quite some time.

Tee Higgins (WR)

The Raiders lack of wide receiver production was an apparent flaw all season long. Tee Higgins possesses the size (6’4″, 215 pounds) and speed to take the top of the defense which the Raiders were unable to do in 2019. Higgins torched the ACC all season long — recording an average of 19 yards per reception to combine with his 13 touchdowns.

He wins with superior length and uses physicality to break free. Higgins is projected to be a mid-first round pick in an area where the Raiders will likely look to target wide receivers who provide adequate speed downfield to get behind defenders.

A.J. Terrell (CB)

Daryl Worley‘s destined to hit free agency this offseason, and may not be back in 2020. As a corresponding move, the Raiders may be in position for a new cornerback via free agency or scoop one up in the draft to play opposite of Trayvon Mullen. Clemson’s A.J. Terrell is a borderline day one prospect, who’s probably more suited as a second round player, but his evaluation process will be vital in securing his ranking of where he gets drafted.

Terrell hasn’t racked up the interceptions numbers such as some of the primer cornerbacks in college football, but opposing teams have shown him immense respect as they often ignore his side of the field. According to Pro Football Focus, Terrell has been targeted just 30 times on 313 coverage snaps.

K’Von Wallace (S)

Last year, the Raiders invested top draft capital to draft safety Jonathan Abram, but his season was cut short due to a shoulder injury, which sidelined him for the season. Other injuries to the Raiders secondary, impacted the safety position as it turned into a revolving door. K’Von Wallace projects as a mid-round pick who’s played all over the Clemson secondary — taking snaps at safety, cornerback and nickel.

He’s had the majority of his successes at safety, but he can be used all over the field. If the Raiders decide to explore the selection of Wallace through the draft, he would resume play with former college teammate Trayvon Mullen.