How Keith McGill Fits with the Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders took a cornerback with the 116th pick in the 2014 NFL draft. He's the second cornerback taken by the Raiders in the last two years. Last year, with the 12th overall pick, they took D.J. Hayden.

Both players are very different in how they play and their body types. Hayden is 5'11" and weighs just under 200 pounds. McGill is 6'3" and 211 pounds. 



McGill will be a project for the Raiders both on and off the field. Taking him in the fourth round is good value for the Raiders because some think he could have gone in the third round. This is another good pick by Oakland because of the value and because cornerback is a position of need. 

 

What McGill Brings to the Table

Size and Athleticism

McGill is a big cornerback. He's taller and heavier than any of the cornerbacks on the roster right now. He has long arms and had one of the best vertical and broad jumps out of all the cornerbacks who attended the combine. McGill has big hands, and if he can use those along with his long arms to jam the opposing receiver, he can disrupt the timing of the passes.

He doesn't use his size as well as he should, but that doesn't mean he can't learn how. He doesn't have every trait you'd want from a cornerback, but his size is very intriguing and makes him worth the pick. 

 



Versatility

McGill has played safety before. I think the Raiders try to play him at cornerback, and I believe he'll find a home there for a couple of years. However, he could be used as a safety if he doesn't transition well as a cornerback in the NFL. General manager Reggie McKenzie likes versatile players who can be moved around when needed. 

Many think that McGill may be better suited to play safety because he does lack some cornerback qualities. However, the game is changing and his size is exactly what some tea...

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