Breaking News: Why The Raiders Should Prioritized The Signature Of This Stars Player
Lately, the Las Vegas Raiders have frequently turned to the Alabama Football program to find potential cornerstone players, utilizing first-round picks on talents like Alex Leatherwood, Henry Ruggs, Josh Jacobs, Amari Cooper, and Rolando McClain, all within the Nick Saban era. Once more, the Raiders are eyeing Tuscaloosa for their first-round pick, aiming to fortify their defense.
With the promotion of Antonio Pierce from linebackers coach to head coach, the Raiders, given Pierce’s defensive expertise, are expected to prioritize strengthening their defense this offseason. The primary area of concern for the Raiders, who hold the 13th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, is cornerback, as they’ve heavily relied on late-round picks and free agents to fill the position.
Why is cornerback a priority for the Raiders in the draft? Well, it’s largely due to their competition within the division, where they regularly face two top-tier quarterbacks supported by formidable receiving corps. The Kansas City Chiefs boast Patrick Mahomes alongside Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice, the Los Angeles Chargers feature Justin Herbert with targets like Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, while the Denver Broncos present challenges with their trio of Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and Marvin Mims, despite quarterback uncertainties.
Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has a track record of constructing strong pass defenses, but he requires top-notch cornerbacks to execute his system effectively. In the 2021 season, Graham’s defense ranked fourth in the league in pass defense, limiting opposing quarterbacks to just 225.8 passing yards per game. However, during his tenure with the Giants, Graham benefited from having standout cornerbacks like James Bradberry and Adoree Jackson to anchor his defensive schemes.
The Case for Kool-Aid McKinstry
Kool-Aid McKinstry is experiencing what many refer to as Draft Fatigue, having been touted as a top-ten pick prospect since his freshman year. However, analysts are now contemplating reasons to lower his draft stock. If Graham opts for a more aggressive press man coverage strategy in 2024, McKinstry would undoubtedly be the ideal choice. While most college cornerbacks struggle with press coverage, McKinstry thrives in it, with his skills readily applicable to the NFL.
In 2023, McKinstry faced minimal challenges, with opposing quarterbacks targeting him only 43 times despite often marking the opposing team’s primary receiver. Notably, McKinstry’s game includes strong tackling ability, frequently making impactful plays in run defense. Although his forte lies in man coverage, he has also demonstrated competence in zone defense, potentially refining both with further experience in zone schemes.
Scouts’ primary concern regarding McKinstry revolves around his speed and agility in deep coverage, as he hasn’t faced many deep challenges. A solid performance in the 40-yard dash at the upcoming combine would cement his status as the premier cornerback in the draft class.
In a cornerback position where teams typically prioritize potential over proven performance, McKinstry remains the top prospect. He has exhibited a floor as a starting NFL cornerback for most teams, with a ceiling potentially reaching All-Pro status. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 195 pounds, McKinstry’s size shouldn’t raise any doubts, and if teams base their decision solely on his game tape, he should be the first cornerback selected in April’s draft.
The Case for Terrion Arnold
If the Raiders opt not to select McKinstry, possibly due to concerns about his speed or a desire for a cornerback with greater potential, Terrion Arnold is likely to enter consideration and could even end up being chosen. Initially, many draft analysts and even some within the Alabama Football program expected Arnold to return for the 2024 season, as the notion of him being a first-round pick seemed improbable. However, Arnold’s performance elevated him to one of the premier cornerbacks in the country, significantly boosting his draft prospects.
The argument for Terrion Arnold over other cornerbacks lies in his burgeoning potential, demonstrated by substantial growth in 2023. Arnold possesses remarkable length and explosive athleticism, which bode well for man coverage, particularly as he continues to refine his skills at the position. Additionally, he exhibits promise as a zone cornerback and could quickly become proficient in this aspect of the game, given his intelligence and experience in an NFL-style defense under coaches like Nick Saban and Kevin Steele.
Arnold’s playing style, size, and length are reminiscent of James Bradberry, who thrived under Graham’s coaching to become a Pro-Bowler in 2020. Graham’s defensive scheme incorporates elements of cover three and cover six, akin to Saban’s approach at Alabama. Given Graham’s reliance on zone coverage, Arnold appears to be a better fit for the Raiders both in the short term and potentially in the long run, given his capacity for growth.
The Raiders likely take an Alabama Football alum but, which one?
The Las Vegas Raiders are in dire need of acquiring a cornerback, and the Alabama Football program boasts possibly the two most promising prospects at the position in this year’s draft. However, it’s anticipated that Terrion Arnold will be chosen over Kool-Aid McKinstry.
Arnold’s timing couldn’t be better, as he showcased his peak performance just before the draft, capitalizing on the opportunity to demonstrate his skills while facing less opposition initially. Teams are drawn to Arnold’s potential for development, given his impressive toolkit, even though he lacks the refinement of a player like Kool-Aid. Arnold’s suitability for a zone-heavy defense like Patrick Graham’s further enhances his appeal as the preferred choice. Both Arnold and McKinstry offer promising prospects for teams in this year’s draft, and watching their growth in the coming years will undoubtedly be exciting.