The expectation for the Raiders is that they will be selecting either a quarterback or a cornerback with their top pick in this year’s draft. By now, everyone knows which quarterbacks the Raiders could be targeting at No. 7.
But what about cornerback? Who is the top cornerback in this year’s class and which one makes the most sense for the Raiders?
In a recent mock draft by Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus, he gave the Raiders the top cornerback in the 2023 NFL Draft in Devon Witherspoon. Here is why the site believes he is worthy of a top-seven pick in this year’s class:
Devon Witherspoon is the clear No. 1 cornerback in this draft class. Last season, he allowed just a 25.3 passer rating into his coverage, and a low-4.4-second 40-yard dash time at his pro day answered any lingering concerns about speed. He is also a rare tone-setting cornerback who can help enact big changes in the Raiders’ defense.
Christian Gonzalez (Oregon) has the best combination of size, speed, and ball skills in this class. However, Witherspoon’s aggressive nature and attitude are why he might be the better fit for the Raiders. He is a physical tackler and can provide some leadership to a defense that needs it.
