S&BP Staff 2016 7-round Raiders mock draft: Round 2, Pick 44- Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson

Is it likely? Some would say probably not. But is it possible? Yes, actually.

Thursday, Mel Kiper and Todd McShay posted their head-to-head mock draft in which they alternate selections through the first three rounds of the draft. In that mock draft, they did something crazier than me -- they had Mackensie Alexander going one pick AFTER the Raiders.

And honestly, it's a trend I've noticed in mocks lately. As William Jackson III has risen up draft boards, Alexander and Ohio State CB Eli Apple have seen themselves falling. Most draft boards I've seen have Alexander as high as the top 15 and as low as the mid 40's, with most falling somewhere in the middle. If that's the case, I don't think it's unreasonable to guess Alexander would still be available.

So, why Alexander then?

The dude can straight up ball.

While nay-sayers would point to his zero career interceptions, anyone who has seen this guy play football knows he's a wide receiver's worst nightmare.

I remember watching Clemson play Oklahoma in a bowl game in December and seeing Alexander defend Sterling Shepherd — one of the top receivers in the country. All I could think was, "No. 2 looks like a beast."

At the time, knowing the Raiders needed help at corner, I was immediately drawn to the possibility of drafting him — but with months before the draft, many wondered if Alexander would even be there when the Raiders picked in the first round (let alone the second). Some even said he was the best corner in the draft.

But then, as usually happens, as we get further and further away from actual football, things change and opinions change. As a result, Alexander is fading compared to more "ideally sized" guys in this class.

Honestly, I'd take Alexander in the first round and be happy with it — and I know Tyler Green agrees with me — so getting him in the second would be a steal. I think his swagger and ability to blanket guys would be the perfect compliment to Sean Smith and David Amerson (and TJ Carrie) as teams spread more and more guys out in the formation.

Just imagine those four locking down receivers while Khalil Mack, Bruce Irvin and Aldon Smith rush the passer!

If the Raiders didn't get a shot at Alexander here, my next thought would be safety — is Vonn Bell still around? Karl Joseph? Keanu Neal? Any of those guys would fill a major need and would be a coup for Oakland I think, but if I've got the chance, I'm grabbing Alexander as soon as the clock starts.

Raiders selections so far:

Round 1, pick 14 -- Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson
Round 2, pick 44 -- Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson

Remaining selections:

Round 3, pick 75
Round 4, pick 114
Round 5, pick 143
Round 5, pick 154
Round 6, pick 194
Round 7, pick 234