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’d they grade the selection. This is the official draft reaction page for the Raiders department of Last Word on Pro Football.
Oakland Raiders Second Round Draft Reaction
With the 56th Pick in the Second Round, the Oakland Raiders Select…Obi Melifonwu, Safety, UConn
1. Do You Like the Pick?
Smith-Yes
Larson-Yes
Militano-Yes
2. Why or Why Not?
Smith-
Obi is a freak athlete. He had the best combine of any DB in Indianapolis, and together with Karl Joseph, the Raiders have a crazy talented secondary.
Larson-
Obi Melifonwu was possibly the best player on the board. Based on how the Raiders have been drafting the last three years, he was at the top of their board. He’s a freakish athlete that fills the need to replace Reggie Nelson in the secondary.
Militano-
Reggie Nelson isn’t getting any younger. With a young safety like Karl Joseph already on the roster, pairing him up with an athletic freak makes too much sense. Oakland now has two young, versatile safeties.
3. Will This Player Make An Immediate Impact on the Team?
Smith-Yes
He can be a rotational corner and safety, and depending how ready he is, he can replace Reggie Nelson.
Larson-Yes
The Oakland Raiders were the worst at defending the deep pass last year. Melifonwu has room to improve in that category, but he should see playing time at the start of the season.
Militano-Yes
Oakland needs a defender to match up with tight ends and Melifonwu can do that day one. His versatility and ability to do many things well, will help him stay on the field.
4. Is There Another Player You Wanted Instead, and If So, Who?
Smith-No
Larson-Yes
The Raiders still need a new linebacker and Zach Cunningham would have been an excellent choice. He would have been the only player I would have preferred the Raiders taking over Obi Melifonwu.
Militano-No
5. Grade-
Smith-A
Obi immediately fills a role for the Oakland Raiders, and with Karl Joseph, the team has a brilliant young safety duo. If he pans out and Joseph continues to develop, it’ll be the best in the league.
Larson-A-
Melifonwu has all room to grow, but has all the tools. He could have been taken in the first round and that makes this a high grade.
Miitano-A
No other player available would’ve been better for the Raiders. Obi will fill a need, and automatically improve not only the Raiders secondary, but the defense as a whole. Karl and Obi will be a scary good duo.
