Raiders Draft Radar 2014: Cornerback

The Raiders used their first round pick in 2013 on a cornerback when they selected D.J. Hayden out of Houston with the 12 overall pick. Even if they trade back in the first round, I see little chance they go that direction a second-straight season.

Really any of the top three cornerbacks in this draft would fit well with the Raiders. But all three are expected to go in the first round. There is some decent depth and promising prospects to be had in the mid rounds of this draft and that's where I expect the corners on their radar to work their way to the top of the board. Here are those corners.

Bashaud Breeland, Clemson - Round 3

The 5-11, 197 pound corner was second team All-ACC as a red shirt junior last season for the Tigers. He had 4 interceptions and 17 passes defended along with 74 tackles. His strength is the bump and run as well as a run support. He didn't run the 40-yard-dash at the combine and later posted a 4.57 40-yard dash at his pro day which is pretty slow for a cornerback. Most of his athletic workouts were fairly underwhelming. He makes up for his lack of speed on the football field with good technique and his long arms make up for his lack of great leaping abilities. Breeland has also played safety in college and with his tackling abilities, he raises his value through versatility and special teams play.

Terrance Mitchell, Oregon - Round 4

Mitchell was overshadowed by his opposite starting cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, but Mitchell had a pretty good season in his own right. He picked off 5 passes last season and didn't allow a single touchdown. His speed came into question when he ran a 4.63 40-yard-dash at the combine. But he came back in an individual workout in his hometown of Sacramento, and ran a 4.43. The Raiders were one of only a couple teams on hand to witness that workout.

Dexter McDougle, Maryland - Round 7

He was off to a fantastic start to the 2013 season with 3 interceptions in four games being lost for the remainder of the season with a broken shoulder blade.  One of those interceptions he returned 49 yards for a touchdown. He has plenty of speed (4.43 40-yard dash) and good leaping ability (37-inch vertical). He also has a sparkling character earning Academic All-ACC as well as receiving the Ultimate Team Player Award by his teammates.

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