2023 NFL Draft: Day 2 cornerbacks the Raiders should target

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Dec 31, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Eli Ricks (7) tackles Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Malik Knowles (4) during the first half in the 2022 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Eli Ricks (7) tackles Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Malik Knowles (4) during the first half in the 2022 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

2023 NFL Draft: Day 2 cornerbacks the Raiders should target

Eli Ricks, Alabama

We round out our four cornerbacks to keep an eye on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft with Eli Ricks, an LSU transfer who spent one season with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Ricks showed promise as a freshman at LSU, and in his short stint with Alabama, showed the kind of rare size and skill you need to be an elite cornerback at the next level.

Ricks may not have blinding speed, but he makes up for that with his ability to play physical, press-man coverage. He also is a long cornerback, possessing the kind of ball-hawking skills that the Raiders are really lacking with the current group of defensive backs on the roster.

Six defensive backs are entering free agency for the Raiders this offseason, so big-time changes are coming at both cornerback, and safety. In a deep cornerback class, Ricks has some of the best upside of any player, and before all is said and done, could end up being a Day 2 steal for some franchise.

Why not the Raiders?

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