The Las Vegas Raiders still need another safety in their defensive backfield going into next season. However, would taking TCU safety Trevon Moehrig at number 17 be considered a reach?
The Raiders defense has had some nice additions this offseason, which bodes well for Gus Bradley. The new defensive coordinator could build a solid defensive line after the acquisition of Yannick Ngakoue. The team could still add another pass rusher such as Kwity Paye or Azeez Ojulari if the latter falls to 17. The linebacker corps appears to be set for the time being but the backfield still needs a boost. Karl Joseph returned to the Raiders but that shouldn’t deter the organization from drafting another safety. The problem’s that this year’s safety class is thin at the top. In other words, does this mean that Moehrig in the first round would be a reach?
This isn’t a knock on Moehrig as a player or his future prospects as an NFL player. Rather, the Raiders might be better off using their first-rounder on a tackle or even a cornerback. Christian Darrisaw or Teven Jenkins would likely be instant starters at right tackle. Likewise, cornerbacks such as Jaycee Horn, Caleb Farley, or Asante Samuel Jr. would be nice pickups. Regardless of your point of view, the Las Vegas Review-Journal recently published an updated mock in which they have Moehrig slated for the Silver and Black.
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Does it make sense for the Raiders to take Trevon Moehrig?
Adam Hill of the Review-Journal believes that despite Joseph’s return, Moehrig should still be the pick. He points that Moehrig is essentially the only safety worthy of a first-round selection this year.
“Moehrig is the only true first-round talent at the position and would give the Raiders an entire secondary picked in early rounds in the last three years.”
This is assuming that the Raiders will finally be able to put all that talent in a position to succeed under Bradley. Pro Football Focus raves about Moehrig’s game and believes that his skill set will fit any NFL scheme including Bradley’s Cover 3. Another bonus in Moehrig’s game is he’s a devastating tackler, he’d fit right in with Johnathan Abram. Is Moehrig’s potential so great that the Raiders can afford to pass up on a starting right tackle?
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*Top Photo: Associated Press/AJ Mast