As the draft progresses, Ryan Smith, Michael Larson, and Giovanni Militano will break down each of Oakland’s picks. They will be asked if they liked the pick, if the player will make an immediate impact on the team, if there’s another player they liked more, and how they’d grade the selection. This is the official draft reaction page for the Raiders department of Last Word on Pro Football.
Oakland Raiders First Round Draft Reaction
With the 24th Pick in the First Round, the Oakland Raiders Select… Gareon Conley, Corner, Ohio State.
1. Do You Like the Pick?
Smith- No
Larson- Yes
Militano- Yes
2. Why or Why Not?
Smith-
While I like Gareon Conley the player, the sexual assault charge is still floating around. Hopefully Reggie McKenzie knows something we don’t, because there were better players on the board that aren’t being investigated for sexual assault.
Larson-
Gareon Conley was the number two corner after Sidney Jones went down and fell to the Raiders after an accused rape charge. There’s no doubt that McKenzie believes the man is not guilty and pulls off one of the biggest steals of the first round.
Militano-
Assuming McKenzie did his homework and Conley didn’t do what he’s been accused of, Conley would be a steal and great value pick at 24.
3. Will This Player Make an Immediate Impact on the Team?
Smith- Yes
He’ll absolutely be able to step in and play nickle corner to start his career. He was arguably the second best corner in this draft, and if he stays out of trouble, he can immediately help the secondary.
Larson- Yes
Whether he replaces David Amerson or Sean Smith immediately is a different question, but Conley will make an impact from the start of the season. I will not be surprised if he’s starting Day one.
Militano- Yes
Conley played inside as well as outside at Ohio State. His versatility alone will help him him get on the field. His skills as a playmaker should help him be a mainstay in Oakland’s secondary.
4. Is There Another Player You Wanted Instead, and If So, Who?
Smith- Yes, Zach Cunningham or Ryan Ramczyk.
Ryan Ramczyk is arguably the best offensive lineman in this draft, and could’ve not only helped the right side of the line but eventually replaced Donald Penn. As for Zach Cunningham, the Raiders have a serious need at inside linebacker in a shallow linebacker class.
Larson- No
Militano- Yes, Zach Cunningham
I viewed linebacker as the bigger need and was thinking the Raiders would get Zach Cunningham. The defense still has no answer in the middle.
5. Grade
Smith- B-
If Conley is innocent, then this was a very good pick. Not the best pick as far as needs are considered, but he was the best football player available. Hopefully Reggie McKenzie knows what he’s doing.
Larson- A-
Still some uncertainty and risk involved with the charge, but McKenzie continues to show he’s not afraid of a little risk.
Militano- A-
Once again, assuming everything is cleared up and Conley is able to contribute right away, he will be a playmaker for the Raiders defense. The only issue is the controversy surrounding him. If that issue turns out to not be real, the Raiders got a great player.
