2023 Raiders 7-round NFL Mock Draft: Best Player over Positional Need
2023 Raiders 7-round NFL Mock Draft: Best Player over Positional Need
JL Skinner. 39. player. 895. . S. Broncos
Looking at JL Skinner’s physical attributes may have you wondering if he is a linebacker or a safety at the next level. He stands at 6-4 and 220lbs and his last recorded forty time was 4.55 seconds so he has the size to play linebacker and the speed to play safety.
In Patrick Graham’s defense, he will have the opportunity to do a little bit of both as the defensive coordinator loves versatile safeties that can play coverage or in the box. He also likes to blitz with these safeties and Skinner’s hefty build will help him in that regard as well.
The Raiders will be overhauling their safety group as Trevon Moehrig is the only starter still currently under contract with the team. They may choose to bring back Duron Harmon who made some big plays for the team, but some youth and depth is required at the position right away.
Skinner is an elite-level athlete who can guard both inside and outside receivers and has no fear when it comes to making plays in the run game. His long speed is not ideal but he has great short-area quickness and fluidity so he can make up for that. Some of the concerns for Skinner involve the mental aspect of the game but that can come with time and coaching as can his current tendency to get stuck on blocks.
This pic is another example of the Raiders grabbing the best player available as well as meeting a major need for the defense. By the end of the season, the Raiders were starting undrafted free agents and guys off practice squads so an injection of talent is much needed in the defensive backfield.