2017 NFL Draft: Expectations for Ohio State Buckeyes as rookies
By Alec Hartman
Third year cornerback Gareon Conley was the last Buckeye to be drafted in the first round. Conley was selected by the Oakland Raiders with the 24th overall pick.
The 2016 NFL Draft left almost all of the cupboards bare for the Buckeyes in terms of remaining starters. Gareon Conley was one of those few remainders. Conley instantly became one of the most experienced players on the team.
Conley’s three seasons of play worked wonders for him from a developmental standpoint. He went through some lapses in performance over the years but all of that evened out over time. His improved fundamentals from experience have sculpted him into a pro-ready player. Conley’s four interceptions and experience with press coverage defense marked his readiness for the next step.
The Oakland Raiders will greatly benefit from Conley’s experience. The Raiders are preparing to take the next step. Expectations are high for this team as they just made the playoffs for the first time since 2002 according to pro-football-reference.com.
The only thing that held them back from going further was a tragic injury to star quarterback Derek Carr. Conley’s experience with postseason play will make him a valuable asset to a team like the Raiders.
The addition of Conley should help sure up the Raiders’ leaky defense. The team’s great offense has been offset by its poor defense that ranked 26th in the league according to ESPN.com.
Oakland should feel comfortable slotting Conley right into their starting lineup as they have seen what he is capable of. Conley will be given the opportunity to make an immediate impact on this team. There is also a good chance that Conley gets to experience some more postseason play as the Raiders continue their push into the playoffs.