3 Players The Raiders Could Take In The First Round Of The 2017 NFL Draft

The Oakland Raiders' Super Bowl hopes were derailed by a Derek Carr injury, but this team remains in its window for a title. Holding the No. 24 overall pick in the NFL Draft this year, the Raiders should be able to add an impact player to help their quest for a championship. Defense will likely be the focus, but a running back could be the pick as well. 

While there will be far more than just a few players the Raiders target in round one, we've narrowed down the list. With that in mind, here are three players the Raiders could target in the first round of the draft.

3. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

With Latavius Murray in Minnesota, the Raiders are in the market for another running back. McCaffrey might not even last to the Raiders' pick, but he'd give them a dynamic option in the backfield. There are bigger needs for the Raiders, but imagine having McCaffrey on the offense. A great athlete, McCaffrey would contribute in both the running game and the passing attack.

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2. Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State

I don't think Conley lasts to the Raiders, but if the corners slide there's a chance. Conley would be a perfect fit for the Raiders: a corner who can line up inside and outside. I've got him as the No. 2 CB this year and he'd be a big boost to the Raiders' secondary. Adding Conley would also allow the Raiders to move on from Sean Smith if his play declines in the near future. 

1. Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt

Malcolm Smith is gone, the Raiders missed on Zach Brown and Perry Riley is still unsigned. With only Jelani Jenkins arriving, the Raiders' top need is clearly at linebacker. Cunningham could be the answer to that problem. I expect both Haason Reddick and Reuben Foster to be off the board, meaning the linebacker options will likely be limited to Cunningham and Florida's Jarrad Davis. I think Cunningham is the more likely option. The Raiders could plug him in as a starter from day one. 

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