The Las Vegas Raiders’ preparations for the 2023 NFL Draft officially kick off this week as we’ll see them in person at Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.
With Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham as the varsity head coach, he’ll be among the first to see the top defensive backs in the next draft.
While players prepare for the Senior Bowl, work with SI’s Draft Bible to get updates on potential cornerbacks the Raiders might consider drafting.
“We will continue to find players who fit what we are looking for and continue to build this team with our vision.At the same time, our goal is to win football games. It’s about improving,” Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler said.
CB Kyu Blue Kelly, Stanford Cardinals
“A physical press corner that plays through the ball and locks down boundaries,” said Kelly’s Draft Bible.
The 6-1, 186-pound cornerback has the ideal size and length that teams are looking for in a defensive back.
Last season, the Cardinal product had 35 tackles (26 solo), 6 pass deflections and 1 fumble recovery.
His best performance is in 2021, when the defensive back for the Pac-12 All-Second Team had 58 tackles (42 solo), 11 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, returned 1 for a touchdown, forced fumbles and Added recovery.
“Right size, right length to sit on above average muscles, and a well-built frame. Plays in press alignment. Quick feet that are snap-to-activate, mirroring the receiver’s movement patterns.” Effortlessly carry vertical routes to the perimeter, both physically and timely, at catch points,” added Draft Bible.
Kelly is an intelligent player and a good communicator in the secondary, but his lack of top-end speed and overall physicality keep him from being a first-round pick in the next draft.
Expect Silver and Black to re-sign several players from last season and add quality veterans from free agency before deciding who to add during the draft.
Kelly, who looks like a deep-class cornerback, is a projected pick on Day 2 and would be a good fit for one of the 70th or 122nd Raiders picks. skills and shortcomings.
Reese’s Senior Bowl airs Saturday, February 4 at 11:30 PST on NFL Network.
The NFL Draft takes place at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, and concludes rounds five through seven on Saturday, April 29. ESPN, ABC and NFL Network will broadcast all seven rounds.
The NFL Scouting Combine will take place February 28-March 6, 2023 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
March 13-15 is free agency negotiations. From 12:00pm EST on 13th March to 3:59:59pm EST on 15th March, the Club will be in touch with the accredited agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents at the end of 2022 to sign contracts. Allowed to initiate negotiations. The player will sign him on March 15th at 4pm.
The 2023 NFL Year and Free Agency Period begins March 15 at 4:00 PM ET. The Raiders are expected to be a significant player in the free agent market this season.
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