The Oakland Raiders were able to address the defense during the 2017 NFL Draft, with first-round pick Gareon Conley and second-round pick Obi Melifonwu. Both rookies figure to have prominent roles in the secondary, ready to step up when their name is called.
However, in the months following the NFL Draft, the Raiders were unable to finalize deals with their first two picks. Conley, who was in the middle of an investigation into a sexual assault claim, was deemed a risky pick by the organization. General manager Reggie McKenzie and the front office did their thorough research regarding his case, electing to draft Conley.
After participating in the offseason workouts with the team, Conley was forced to watch from the sidelines as his teammates participated in pre-camp events this week. However, it seems as though Conley will soon be joining his teammates, as rumors indicate he has signed a deal, via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport:
The #Raiders and first-round CB Gareon Conley are finalizing the the terms of his deal, source said. It’ll be done shortly.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 28, 2017
Now that Conley is under contract, it means the Raiders entire 2017 draft class has agreed to terms. Conley was selected with the 24th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, after a tremendous collegiate career at Ohio State University.
The 22-year-old totaled 91 tackles (66 solo), six interceptions and 15 passes defended in 42 total games with the university. He won a national championship as a freshman, while making 27 career starts. His contract is reportedly worth four seasons, with a hefty guarantee coming for the first-round selection.
