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2022 NFL Draft: Realistic picks at 86 where Raiders come out on top

By Alexander Monfreda

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 Tim Warner/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 Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE PARK, MD – OCTOBER 30: Nick Cross #3 of the Maryland Terrapins celebrates after a defensive stop against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 30, 2020, at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD – OCTOBER 30: Nick Cross #3 of the Maryland Terrapins celebrates after a defensive stop against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 30, 2020, at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /

2022 NFL Draft: Realistic picks at 86 where Raiders come out on top

Nick Cross, DB, Maryland

I wrote about the Raiders potentially eyeing Cross as recent as this week, so this one shouldn’t be a surprise.

Cross is an extremely versatile safety who’s played everywhere in Maryland’s defensive backfield and played well. He doesn’t just play everywhere, though; He does everything. This versatility is something defensive coordinator Patrick Graham cherishes.

In his three years at the school, Cross showed above-average ball skills, notching 5 interceptions and breaking up another 10 passes. On top of his ball skills, the Maryland safety was able to compile 5.5 sacks and force 3 fumbles.

If you make yourself vulnerable, Cross will make you pay with a rocking hit. His high energy and aggressiveness make him the type of player Raider Nation adores from their safeties, and his willingness to do a little of everything makes him a fan favorite at every level.

No matter who your starting strong safety is, a player like Cross is always appealing. Now, make your strong safety someone who averages over a 111.0 opposing passer rating, and the pairing makes a lot of sense.

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