The Oakland Raiders haven't made the postseason since 2002, and while the team was much improved on the field in its first season under head coach Jack Del Rio, there is still more that needs to be done before it can become a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The Raiders play in arguably one of the toughest conferences in the NFL in the AFC West, as both the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs are in their division.
The Raiders lost some key playmakers on the defensive side of the ball this offseason, as both defensive end Justin Tuck and safety Charles Woodson announced their retirements. The Raiders have made some franchise saving selections in recent drafts with players like quarterback Derek Carr and defensive end Khalil Mack, and general manager Reggie McKenzie will look to add more depth and playmakers to the Silver and Black's roster in the 2016 NFL Draft.
The Raiders have the 14th pick in the draft, and Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland has drawn some attention from the organization and could be a potential fit. While the Raiders are likely still heavily scrutinizing each prospect they are interested in, one player to pay attention to is former LSU cornerback Rashard Robinson.
The Raiders are interested in the former LSU corner, and believed he could have competed as this year's draft class' best corner had he played the last two seasons at LSU, according to Draft Insider Tony Pauline. Robinson was kicked out of LSU and was arrested for breaking into the apartment of a former teammate, and will need to prove to NFL front offices that his off-field troubles are behind him.
Robinson will be one of the key prospects to watch at this year's NFL combine, as many teams will want to see how he performs given the amount of time away from the field. Robinson's projected draft round is uncertain at this time, and some have projected him to go undrafted after missing the past two seasons, according to Walter Football.
The former Tigers corner reportedly stands 6-foot-2 and is expected to run the forty in the 4.3's at the combine. Robinson has also been invited to participate at LSU's pro-day, which could have an impact on his draft stock. Teams are willing to reach on tall corners with speed, as they are considered a rare commodity in the league. It will be interesting to see where Robinson lands, but don't be shocked if the Raiders decide roll the dice on the corner and select him in the mid-to-late rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft.
