The Las Vegas Raiders are looking for their next young core in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Raiders have a long time to evaluate lots of draft prospects. With the Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl complete, next up is the NFL Scouting Combine, a chance for General Manager Tom Telesco and Coach Antonio Pierce to see players’ physical profiles and learn about them as people.
Pierce did a great job keeping the Raiders afloat when he took over midseason and built a culture players wanted to be a part of. He and Telesco will look for more players who want to buy into that culture.
One of those players could be Missouri cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine. While the Raiders have several young cornerbacks, they could add the First-Team All-SEC member to it on the third day of the draft.
Abrams-Draine was part of a talented Tigers’ secondary that also features NFL hopefuls such as safety Jaylon Carlies and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Abrams-Draine finished his Tigers career with 136 total tackles, three and a half tackles for loss, a forced fumble, 34 passes defended, and seven interceptions. He began his career as a wide receiver but converted to defensive back in his sophomore season.
Abrams-Draine stands at 5-foot-11 and weighs 179 pounds. On tape, he looks like a prototypical outside cornerback, but he also has the versatility to play in the slot. Abrams-Draine profiles best as a press-man corner, using an impressive ability to mirror side receivers with good footwork and hip quickness.
Abrams-Draine has the necessary speed to hang with NFL receivers and the physicality to bother them at the top of their routes. According to Pro Football Focus, he was targeted 51 times and allowed just 24 receptions for 324 yards and three touchdowns.
While Abrams-Draine is an impressive cover corner, he struggles mightily in the run game. He has a thin frame that could cause him problems as a run defender in the NFL. He has the IQ to identify the play but struggles to break down and make the tackle.
Abrams-Draine is projected to be a fourth-round selection, but after an impressive week in Mobile, Ala., could see his stock increase in the coming months.
If the Raiders are looking for a smart coverage corner who can be a leader in the secondary, Abrams-Draine may be a good fit.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr, and never miss another breaking news story again.
Sign up RIGHT HERE for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes thrice a week and delivers all our best stories.
More must-reads: