Las Vegas Raiders 7-round mock draft after first wave of free agency
In recent months the Raiders have been continuously mocked to a linebacker with their No.19 overall pick. Since the team has added Corey Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski during free agency, the biggest need on defense has shifted towards cornerback. Kristian Fulton is one name that could eventually turn into a dominant cover-corner in the NFL and one that the Raiders should have a crack at with the No.19 overall pick.
Fulton has had a bumpy college career after joining the LSU Tigers as the No.1 high school recruit in the state of Lousiana. As an underclassman, Fulton experienced off the field issues and injuries, resulting in minimal production. Nonetheless, when he received another opportunity during his junior and senior seasons, Fulton skyrocketed his draft value as a first-round corner who thrives in man coverage. Ultimately, Fulton doesn’t allow much separation even when playing man-coverage as he glides alongside his opposition quite regularly.
Last season, Paul Guenther’s defense allowed an average of 256 passing yards per game, ranking among the bottom third in the NFL. The Raiders secondary contained a core of young and inexperienced players but as the year went on, so did their elevated level of play. With just one cornerback (Eli Apple) brought aboard since the new league year started, the Raiders are likely to be heavily involved in drafting a cornerback early on come draft day.