Raiders 2022 NFL Draft: Pros and Cons of drafting Coby Bryant
Cons
Throughout the Raiders’ draft history, they have been known for making surprise draft picks. One thing that the Raiders love in players more than anything is speed.
Bryant doesn’t have the elite speed the Raiders love…one of the reasons why he is expected to be there when the Raiders pick in the third round. At the combine, Bryant ran a 4.54 in the 40. Although that is not terrible, you need a cover corner faster than that. As a result, draft experts are expecting him not to be a number one corner.
Instead, they think he will be a number two corner in the NFL. Just like he was in Cincinnati. The Raiders do not need a number two corner…they need a number one corner.
Bryant struggles with off-man coverage which is where he is often beat for big plays. If a receiver gets by him, he doesn’t have the speed to catch up to him. Opposing offenses can exploit that. After all Mahomes, Wilson, and Herbert and all those talented, speedy offenses are known for exploiting defensive vulnerabilities. They are going to need to kill speed with speed.
As far as tackling, Bryant is a willing tackler. However, he prefers to launch at the ball carrier instead of wrapping up. When this happens the ball carrier can bounce off the hit and rumble for more yards. Combine that with his lack of speed, the Raiders need to stay away from Bryant in the draft.
Verdict
Bryant will probably be the best cornerback prospect still available late in the third round. Though he is not the corner to put on a number one receiver, he is too good to pass up. He has some positives the Raiders could use.