General Manager Reggie McKenzie
With the 24th overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders selected cornerback Gareon Conley out of Ohio State. In 42 games as a Buckeye, Conley totaled 91 tackles, six interceptions, and 15 passes defensed. In 2016, the Ohio-native was named Second-Team All-Big Ten, and was second on the team with four interceptions.
At 6', 195 pounds, Conley displays a physical style of play, and has impeccable timing when playing the ball. Here's what Raiders General Manager Reggie McKenzie and Head Coach Jack Del Rio had to say about the team's newest acquisition:
Del Rio broke down what he sees from Conley on tape.
"Really talented corner that's capable of playing man or zone. He's a football junkie, he loves to compete, he's been well respected from the people I've spoken to personally about him. He loves to compete, good teammate, and a quality kid. He's got great length, great speed, really strong workouts throughout the spring, and his tape is really good. He's one of those really clean players we were fortunate enough to get our hands on here late in this first round."
McKenzie doesn't doubt the rookie's passion for the game.
"As far as I'm concerned, he's the type of corner you look for. I mean he is hard to get separation from. He can play the deep ball. He can play press. He's big, he's strong, he's fast, and he understands the game. You can tell he loves the game, the way he plays. Watching his tape, being around him, interviewing him, it was no question. We had no question about his skillset and his ability to play the game."
Check out the Oakland Raiders first round pick CB Gareon Conley.
Del Rio expects Conley to be ready to compete Day One.
"We expect him to come in and compete. We think he's a highly-skilled player and he's got the potential to become one of our better corners."
McKenzie looks to have another successful day Friday.
"Well, hopefully Day 2 that will fall the same way. We're going to still follow our board. We know our needs, but, we will not let, we feel, a great player slip by just to satisfy a need. We will follow our board, that's for sure. There are a lot of good players, so we're expecting a good day tomorrow."
