2023 Raiders 7-round NFL Mock Draft: Best Player over Positional Need
2023 Raiders 7-round NFL Mock Draft: Best Player over Positional Need
Crimson Tide . DeMarcco Hellams. 191. player. 829. . S
The Raiders continue to build up the defensive backfield in this draft as they select safety DeMarcco Hellams out of Alabama with the 191st pick. Hellams is a 2-year starter with the Crimson Tide and he has racked up nearly 200 tackles in his last 27 games. Add to that 4 interceptions, 5 tackles for loss, and 7 pass deflections and you get a player that is a box score stuffer and big-time playmaker.
Hellams measures in at 6-1 and 208 pounds and ran a 40 in the 4.5 range so he has the requisite size and speed for the NFL. He is a willing tackler in the run game and plays with a level of physicality that is needed at the NFL level. He won’t be overpowered by opposing receivers and has the quickness and fluidity to cover ball carriers in space.
The main concerns around him are difficulties in zone coverage and a tendency to give a bit too much cushion when playing off coverage. There is also a concern that he may be too physical for the NFL but this is something that can once again be improved and fixed by top-tier coaching.
After Jonathan Abram was cut, the Raiders’ defense did lack a little bit of physicality in the defensive backfield and that is exactly what this young man brings. Abram’s problem was that he was not able to control that aggression and the Raiders will be hoping that Hellams does not have the same issues. Alabama is still DBU and for the most part, you can’t go wrong with drafting someone from their high-caliber defense