Raiders 2022 NFL Draft: Pros and Cons of drafting Coby Bryant
Pros
Bryant possesses the size (6-1 194) and football IQ to be a successful cover corner in the NFL. During his time with the Bearcats, Bryant showcased his instinctiveness in coverage and ability to diagnose routes.
In his final season at Cincinnati, Bryant registered 45 tackles, three interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and three forced fumbles on his way to winning the 2021 Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back.
According to Bryant’s scouting report, he keeps everything in front of him. In addition, he plays zone coverage and man coverage equally well. He also plays the run exceptionally well.
The Raiders could use Bryant because they are going to be facing some of the top young quarterbacks in Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Russell Wilson. They are going to need to go after the best cover corner available.
Currently, their best cornerback is not on the roster. The Raiders’ corners include Rock Ya-Sin, Anthony Averett, and Amik Robertson. As well as, Nate Hobbs whom they drafted in the 5th round last year and the often-injured Trayvon Mullen on the roster.
The new defensive coordinator, Patrick Graham, plans to use multiple schemes and coverages. Such as Cover 3 Zone and some man coverage. The defensive edge rushers Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones should be able to force opposing quarterbacks to throw prematurely enabling Bryant to use instinctiveness to prevent plays downfield.