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2017 NFL draft picks: Raiders select Connecticut S Obi Melifonwu in round 2

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With the 56th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft the Oakland Raiders have selected Connecticut safety Obi Melifonwu. The Raiders had already addressed the defensive side of the ball with their first round pick Ohio State cornerback Gareon Conley and they continued with reinforcements for the defense here in the 2nd round with the pick of Obi Melifonwu.

Melifonwu is a huge 6’4, 224 lb safety out of Connecticut. He will pair with last year’s 1st round selection of Karl Joseph as a very intimidating tandem at safety for Oakland. Reggie Nelson is still expected to be the starter but Melifonwu will certainly have his moments seeing the field in 2017 as well.

In his career at UConn Obi Melifonwu had 221 tackles with 8 interceptions. He will look to continue that success in Oakland. Most times when the key phrase used to describe a player is “Freak” there is reason to be excited and that is the top description used to describe Melifonwu.

TV Draft Schedule

Raiders 2017 Draft Selections

Round 1: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State

Round 2: Obi Melifonwu, S, Connecticut

Raiders remaining needs: LB, DT, CB, OT, S

Poll

What grade would you give the Raiders round 2 selection of Obi Melifonwu?

This poll is closed

  • 59%
    A
    (2492 votes)
  • 31%
    B
    (1308 votes)
  • 6%
    C
    (270 votes)
  • 1%
    D
    (52 votes)
  • 1%
    F
    (62 votes)
4184 votes total Vote Now