If there’s one gripe I’ve got about NFL Draft coverage in times like these — with less than 10 days left until the first round — it often feels like every big board you look at looks the same. The first version? Lots of variability. Last? Not a ton of things that rock the boat.
The exception to that rule, however — which I appreciate — is Pro Football Focus’ board. Because everything is quantifiable and numbers-based, PFF and their lead draft expert, Mike Renner, stick to their guns and let their predictions stand.
To be fair, at the top of the board there isn’t anything too crazy — but get down past 15 and things get a little different. Derrick Brown at No. 16? CJ Henderson as the No. 3 corner? Justin Herbert at No. 30?
At the very least, it makes for interesting discussion and so we reached out to Renner to hear how some of his favorite guys might fit in with the Las Vegas Raiders. If you missed our first two editions of this series, you can check out our conversations with Dane Brugler and Jim Nagy HERE and HERE.
Here’s Renner:
1) If the Raiders had their pick of receivers at No. 12, is there a guy who jumps out at you fit-wise? (I know you’ve got Jerry Jeudy at No. 5 in your rankings, CeeDee Lamb at No. 6 and Henry Ruggs III at No. 10)
Renner: Ceedee Lamb for what they need — I think his size and experience at X receiver makes him the best fit.
2) One guy PFF seems higher on than most other draft experts is Kristian Fulton — why do you think that is? Most places have CJ Henderson as the sole CB in the “second-tier,” while you guys have Fulton No. 11 overall — six spots ahead of Henderson.
Renner: Down year in 2019, but his 2018 tape is special. He is more of a zone corner than a man corner though.
3) Without a second-round pick, the Raiders do currently have three third-rounders. Any corners or receivers in that range that you think could be high-ceiling / instant impact guys if the Raiders go elsewhere with one of their first two picks?
Renner: A receiver in that range that I like Florida’s Van Jefferson, who is a really good route-runner. At corner I’ll say Cameron Dantzler from Mississippi State. I know he ran slow, but he’s so technically sound.
4) Last question: quarterbacks. Jalen Hurts is a guy that a lot of people keep linking to the Raiders, what is your take on him? And is there another name you see as a possibility?
Renner: I’m a fan. He has improved leaps and bounds over his career and so the arrow is pointed upwards — but I bet he gets drafted early Day 2. Another guy I like is cornerback John Reid from Penn State late who would be a good fit for Paul Guenther’s defense.
