The Las Vegas Raiders released veteran cornerback Jack Jones on Sunday. The Raiders initially acquired Jones due to his relationship with previous head coach Antonio Pierce. With Pierce no longer with the organization, the troubled cornerback found himself on the outs with new general manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll.
Jones' departure magnifies the Raiders' existing need at cornerback. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham currently has first-round bust Eric Stokes, sophomore fourth-rounder Decamerion Richardson, and third-year player Jakorian Bennett as his outside cornerbacks. That is arguably the worst group of boundary corners in the entire league.
Spytek and Carroll must select several instant contributors at cornerback during the 2025 NFL Draft. They'll target them all throughout the draft. We've identified three potential targets, ranging from the first round to day three.
Round 1 (No. 6 overall): Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Raiders aren't positioned to select Travis Hunter at No. 6 overall, so if they're to target a cornerback here, it'd be Michigan's Will Johnson. Johnson is the clear-cut best pure cornerback in the draft, given Hunter's undefined positional fit.
The No. 4 overall prospect in our latest Draft Network 100 update, Johnson has undergone a complicated pre-draft process. The Wolverines standout was unable to participate athletically in the NFL Combine or at Michigan’s Pro Day due to an ongoing hamstring injury. His 2023 tape was also better than his 2024 tape, making his evaluation a difficult one. At his best, Johnson is an elite shutdown cornerback with rare instincts, closing speed, and ballhawk potential.
Day Two: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
If the Raiders aren't enamored with the cornerback options at No. 6 overall, it's almost a must that they address the position with the 37th selection. Ole Miss' Trey Amos is a fringe first-rounder who should be shortlisted if he doesn't get drafted in the first round. Amos would immediately establish himself as a starter in the Raiders' defensive backfield.
Amos possesses the length and physicality required to thrive at the next level. Amos recorded 13 pass breakups and three interceptions in a breakout season for the Rebels this past year after transferring from Alabama. The New Iberia, Louisiana native has the temperament the Raiders need at cornerback.
Day Three: Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
If the Raiders continue addressing cornerback on day three, they'll need to draft prospects capable of providing Graham's defense with immediate snaps. That means experience and production are two important traits any potential targets must have. Louisville's Quincy Riley appeared in more than 60 career college games, splitting six seasons evenly with the Cardinals and Middle Tennessee State.
Riley has been an absolute ball-hawk throughout his illustrious collegiate career. The Columbia, South Carolina native accumulated 34 passes defensed and 15 interceptions. Riley recorded at least two interceptions in five straight campaigns. He's an instinctual and physical corner who aims to disrupt routes at the line of scrimmage. Ball skills and play recognition are present in bunches.
