2021 NFL Draft: 5 Non-first round CBs for Las Vegas Raiders to target
2021 NFL Draft: 5 Non-first round CBs for Las Vegas Raiders to target
827. . Cornerback. Orange . Ifeatu Melifonwu. 2. player
If you’re thinking that Ifeatu Melifonwu’s name sounds familiar it is because his older brother Obi Melifonwu was drafted 56th overall by the Raiders in the 2017 NFL Draft. Obi Melifonwu had all the physical tools but injury troubles saw him released a little over a year after he was drafted and he has made little impact in the NFL since being selected.
The Raiders, and any team that selects Ifeatu Melifonwu, will have to hope that he will not suffer the same fate as his elder brother. Melifonwu is a big corner at 6’3, 212lbs who has good speed which he displayed with a 4.48 40 yard dash at Syracuse’s pro day. He is an unfinished product at this point but his upside and potential make him an intriguing pick on day 2 or 3.
Melifonwu has the athletic makeup of an elite player but there are concerns about his consistency and become a better football player versus just being an athlete. He may be better suited long term at safety but if he can translate his athleticism to playing cornerback full time he could be an incredible addition to a secondary in need of length and physicality.
The Raiders may be wary of drafting another project player given their need for impact players but if Melifonwu drops to day 3 they could see him as a long-term solution at both cornerback and safety.