Raiders 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Reloading the offensive line and more
Raiders 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Reloading the offensive line and more
. Cornerback. Bears . Kalon Barnes. 126. player. 860
The Raiders’ secondary, particularly at corner, got some help during the offseason in the shape of Rock Ya-Sin. However, the team is counting on Trayvon Mullen’s return to form in 2022. Basically, Las Vegas would benefit from adding another corner in a few days, so Kalon Barnes with the 126th pick works out.
The legendary Al Davis loved speed and Barnes is a prototypical pick that he would’ve made just based on that trait alone; Barnes ran a 4.23 time in his NFL Combine 40-yard dash. While he’s far from perfect in coverage, Barnes’ natural velocity and quickness warrant a look.
Barnes’ form, awareness, and on-field IQ provide a solid foundation for a future NFL cornerback. He has a notable backpedal and isn’t afraid of playing his receiver aggressively. The best way to describe Barnes would be to call him a wide receiver that knows how to play defense.
Barnes is a playmaker on both defense and special teams due to his hands, vision, and that rare trait of being able to take it to third gear when he has the ball.
At six feet and 180-plus pounds, Barnes has the size to excel in the zone and would benefit from playing as a depth piece as he refines his game.