Raiders 2023 7-round mock draft: Las Vegas needs met in draft haul
Raiders 2023 7-round mock draft: Las Vegas needs met in draft haul
The Raiders need some help at cornerback and while the duo of Rock Ya-Sin and Nate Hobbs is solid, they still need depth at the position as other role players have struggled in spot starts. Tony Grimes fits a great need and has the athleticism and speed to be a competent player at the NFL level and can become a starter in the long term.
Grimes has good size at 6-0, 195lbs, and has great speed as he clocked in a 4.3 40 which shows he can keep up with receivers down the field. Scouts are impressed with his length and ability to stick to his responsibility in man coverage and think his press coverage skills will translate well to the NFL level.
The primary concerns are around his technique and some sloppy tendencies in his backpedal and in zone coverage. Some of that may be due to him relying too much on his speed and athleticism at the college level but as with several other prospects, can be coached up and improved. Adding Grimes to a thin cornerback group would be a great move for the Raiders and helps shore up a defensive backfield in need of talent.