The 2017 NFL season is quickly approaching. Oakland’s veterans have high expectations, and newly acquired free agents look to prove their worth being signed. The rookies are another group hoping to make an impact for the silver and black. A lot of hype will surround the Raiders this season, and one way to meet expectations is to see good play from draft picks. Oakland will need their rookies to make an impact if they want to be playing for a Lombardi trophy this season.
Oakland Raiders Rookies That Will Make an Impact in 2017
Gareon Conley
The selection of Gareon Conley in the first round might have come as a shock to a lot people. Controversy surrounds the pick for the time being. If everything comes out and proves Conley’s innocence, the Raiders will have a really good player on their hands. Oakland’s cornerback play was less than desirable last season. David Amerson had a down year, and free agent Sean Smith disappointed. Conley should be able to come in right away and stick in the slot. Gareon has enough speed to match up with the typical quick slot receiver. Also, Conley also possesses good size to play taller receivers.
With his ability to stay with his man, locate the football, and make a play on it, there is a good chance that he could wind up seeing plays on the outside early in his rookie season. Gareon Conley is a player the Raiders need in the secondary. He should make an impact wherever they line him up.
Obi Melifonwu
Versatile athlete are the words best used to describe rookie safety Obi Melifonwu. While at UConn, Obi Melifonwu was a four year starter that put up some big numbers. Obi stands at 6’4″ and about 220 pounds. Obi has size and freak athleticism to match. Melifonwu has the size and speed to be a matchup nightmare. He is listed as a safety, but it’s more complicated than that. Obi will be expected to cover tight ends, and other big wide receivers. He will move all over the field in order to neutralize any mismatches the opponent might have.
Oakland lost a couple of safeties in free agency, and at worst Obi Melifonwu will serve as competent depth. Expect Melifonwu to be someone that primarily covers tight ends, with the ability to tackle well and come down with some interceptions. The Raiders have found themselves a defensive back that can be used in many ways.
Marquel Lee
Wake Forrest linebacker Marquel Lee was the Raiders fifth round selection. At first glance, it seemed like an alright pick. Everybody knew the Raiders desperately needed help at linebacker. Oakland just happened to wait until the fifth round before they snagged one. They waited too long. Well, maybe not.
Lee was a two-time team captain at Wake Forrest, and he brought more to the table then just his leadership. Marquel eclipsed 100 tackles twice in his four-year college career. He even had an astounding 20.0 tackles for loss in 2016. Lee finished his Wake Forrest career with 291 total tackles, 41.0 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks. Marquel Lee has a knack for making tackles and also making a ton of plays behind the line of scrimmage. Whether he’s blitzing the quarterback or chasing down a running back he gets the job done.
Oakland has one of the weakest linebacker corps in the league. The addition of Marquel Lee will not only strengthen it, but possibly give it the leader in the middle that they desperately need.
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