Raiders pick 12th in rd 2. Here are the 12 best available from The Athletic... I am hoping they land one of the two C/G prospects, but wouldn't mind a bunch of these names...
*23. Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon (6-3, 328)*
Powers-Johnson’s inexperience is reflected in his technique, but he offers a fantastic combination of size, athleticism and toughness, with the skill set that translates to both center and guard. His game reminds me of Ryan Kelly, who won the Rimington Award at Alabama before becoming a first-round pick in 2016.
27. Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa (6-0, 202)
DeJean is one of the best tackling defensive backs in the class and shows playmaking skills in coverage, because of his athletic instincts and competitive makeup. Along with an immediate special-teams role (as a returner and gunner), his NFL starter-quality skill set fits interchangeably at cornerback, safety or nickel.
28. Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois (6-1, 304)
Newton’s undersized, compact frame will be a turnoff for some teams. But he is tough to block one-on-one, because of his gap quickness, natural power and nose for the ball. He projects as a dependable starting three-technique in the NFL.
30. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama (5-11, 196)
McKinstry doesn’t play with high-level speed or aggression, but he is a long, smooth athlete with the football IQ that should translate quickly to an NFL field. His game reminds me of James Bradberry’s, and he will compete for starting reps as a rookie.
31. Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia (5-11, 186)
McConkey’s size and vulnerability to injuries aren’t ideal, but he is a sudden, skilled route runner and uses synchronized shake to tie defensive backs in knots. He is a quarterback-friendly target with the inside-outside versatility to be a quality No. 2 option for an NFL offense.
32. Marshawn Kneeland, Edge, Western Michigan (6-3, 267)
Kneeland is still taking classes in the art of the pass rush, but he is charged up into contact and displays twitch throughout his frame, which allows him to defeat blockers in different ways. He projects as a starting base end whose best football is yet to come.
33. Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas (6-2, 205)
Mitchell needs to become a more detail-focused receiver to fully unlock his talent, but he has the body length, loose athleticism and catch-point skills to be a chain-moving weapon. He projects as a rangy, outside-the-numbers target with the lean, limber body type reminiscent of the late Chris Henry.
*34. Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia (6-2, 315)*
Frazier might not boast elite athleticism or length, but he is good enough in those areas and will win over NFL teams with his core strength, football IQ, competitive toughness and understanding of leverage. He projects as a quality NFL starting center the moment he is drafted.
36. Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan (6-2, 299)
Jenkins might never be a high-production interior player, but he is light on his feet and heavy with his hands with the “do my job” mentality that NFL defensive coordinators appreciate. He projects as an NFL starter as a one-gapping tackle on the interior or two-gapping strongside defensive end.
37. Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State (6-3, 213)
Coleman must develop more nuance in his route running, but his big-man twitch, physicality and ball-winning adjustment skills allow him to be a difference maker. With continued refinement, he has the talent to be an NFL starter (similar in ways to Courtland Sutton).
38. Cooper Beebe, G, Kansas State (6-3, 322)
Beebe doesn’t have ideal arm length that most teams desire, but he is stout, controlled and plays with power at contact. He will fit both gap and zone schemes in the NFL and projects as a high-floor starting guard.
39. Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State (6-1, 215)
Hicks is a rangy, intimidating presence, both downhill and on the back end, and he offers the multi-dimensional traits to develop into an NFL starter. He projects as a scheme-friendly safety who should also contribute immediately on special teams.