Las Vegas Raiders: 4 early 2022 NFL Draft first round targets

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Oakland Raiders during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Nov 30, 2019; Stanford, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive back Kyle Hamilton (14) jogs on the field during the second quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2019; Stanford, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive back Kyle Hamilton (14) jogs on the field during the second quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders: 4 early 2022 NFL Draft first-round targets

Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

When you look at the size of Kyle Hamilton, you would not think this is a safety. Hamilton checks in at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, and what makes the All-ACC performer stand out is not just his size, but how he works within his frame.

Hamilton has a blend of athleticism, speed and coverage skills that are rare for a player of his size, and his ability to cover laterally makes life difficult for opposing tight ends and wide receivers. With the well acknowledged struggles of the Raiders secondary, the pick makes sense if he is still available when Las Vegas makes their first-round pick.

The Raiders just selected safety Tre’Von Moehrig, who should see immediate playtime as one of the safeties this season in the Raiders’ new defensive scheme under Gus Bradley. But this does not exclude the struggles of Jonathan Abram next to him.

The Raiders are counting on Abram to pay back their investment in his former first round status this season, but so far, after completing his first full season, Abram showed a lack of instinctive ability and was basically a no show in coverage. If Abram fails to deliver this season, expect head coach Jon Gruden and the Raiders to look elsewhere.

Possibly in the direction of Kyle Hamilton.