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With the 2018 NFL Draft in the books, it is only fair to dish out some awards for a job well done by a number of teams across the NFL. It also doesn’t hurt to look at which teams may have made regrettable picks.
Pass along your thoughts on these awards and the 2018 NFL Draft. I may put together a mail bag that answers questions/comments sent via email [email protected] or on Twitter @draftcampbell.
Best Value Pick Day 3:
Oakland Raiders: Nick Nelson, CB, Wisconsin Oakland’s draft has been criticized a lot, but one pick that looks very astute was the selection of Nelson. Around the league, Nelson graded out as a consensus second-round pick, and the only reason he slipped to the third day was because of injury concerns. However, those issues surround a minor knee injury, and team sources said their doctors believed Nelson would be ready for training camp. Thus, Nelson’s injury does not carry much significance.
Nelson is a good cover corner with the skills to blanket receivers and prevent separation. One of the traits that really stands out the most is Nelson’s ability to play the ball. He tracks passes well downfield and is adept to locate the football while maintaining coverage. Nelson times his hands well and is very good at slapping passes away. He uses his size well to fight receivers and to battle them for position without drawing flags. Nelson is a physical cornerback who really challenges receivers. He plays disciplined and sits hard on routes, challenging wideouts to get by him. Nelson lined up in press-man, off-man, and zone coverage in college. He is a versatile and well-developed corner who I think could compete quickly for Oakland.
The Raiders needs more young talent to emerge at cornerback, and I think Nelson could become the long-term starter across from Gareon Conley. Landing a second-round talent like Nelson in the fourth round was tremendous value for Oakland, and I think he could end up being one of the best value picks in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Honorable mentions: Washington Redskins defensive tackle Tim Settle, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Antonio Callaway, Cincinnati Bengals running back Mark Walton, Pittsburgh Steelers running back/fullback Jaylen Samuels, Baltimore Ravens safety DeShon Elliott, New york Jets defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi and Green Bay Packers wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown.
2017 Winner: Caleb Brantley, Browns
2016 Winner: Andrew Billings, Bengals
2015 Winner: Jay Ayayi, Dolphins
2014 Winner: Justin Ellis, Raiders
2013 Winner: Philip Thomas, Redskins
2012 Winner: Bobbie Massie, Cardinals
Once again, pass along your thoughts on these awards and the 2018 NFL Draft. I may together a mail bag that answers questions/comments sent via email [email protected] or on Twitter @draftcampbell.
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